Manchester City faced a significant challenge against the Austrian underdogs St Pölten in the Women’s Champions League, but managed to turn the tide and secure a victory. Just a week after delivering one of the finest performances in the club’s history, beating the defending European champions Barcelona at home, Gareth Taylor’s team found themselves trailing 2-1 early in the second half. However, with several key players rested from the starting lineup, Taylor made strategic substitutions in the second half, and a late header from Australian forward Mary Fowler sealed a 3-2 win that seemed inevitable as the early-season Women’s Super League leaders exerted pressure.
The performance, though victorious, raised concerns for Taylor, particularly regarding the team’s defending from set pieces and their efficiency in front of goal. Initially, it seemed like an easy night for the English club when Alanna Kennedy scored a powerful long-range goal within the first five minutes. This was Kennedy’s first goal in club football since May 2022 and her first in the Women’s Champions League. However, she missed a crucial header later in the game.
Laura Blindkilde Brown also missed a close-range opportunity, and the team was held back by a series of fine saves from goalkeeper Carina Schlüter. St Pölten capitalized on City’s defensive lapses to equalize through Melanie Brunnthaler. Taylor responded by bringing on Jamaica striker Khadija Shaw at half-time, but it was not until the Austrians took a surprise lead through Kamila Dubcova that City truly rallied.
Within four minutes of falling behind, Aoba Fujino equalized with a volley from Chloe Kelly’s cross. Taylor then made further changes, introducing Lauren Hemp, Jill Roord, and Laia Aleixandri, leading to City’s dominance. A lethal inswinging corner from Hemp was headed in by Fowler, maintaining City’s winning start to their Champions League campaign.
Taylor’s starting lineup included a senior debut for 18-year-old Codie Thomas, and her performance at right-back was encouraging. Chloe Kelly, who started the game after being an unused substitute in previous matches, also contributed with a vital assist for Fujino’s equalizer.
