Man City player ratings vs Brighton as quickfire start gives Blues WSL victory

Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City side secured their latest Women's Super League win with three goals in the first 26 minutes against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The other two goals came from Chloe Kelly and Julie Blakstad in the opening minutes of the game. Kelly netted her first of the WSL season from a perfectly placed corner kick tucked inside the front post early on. Seven minutes later Blakstad doubled City’s lead from a diving header to redirect Kelly’s ball in.

Laura Coombs’ shot fired into the back of the net to make it 3-0. Lee Geum-min scored a consolation for Brighton in the dying seconds of the match.

Player ratings:

Ellie Roebuck - Didn’t have much to deal with, one potential 1-v-1 when Katie Robinson was through on goal and another effort which she watched cruise over the bar. Her first save didn’t come until the second half. The goal was a fumble on the line, and she was down whilst play was going on, nothing she could really do. 7

Kerstin Casparij - Gave City an early chance when she pulled the ball back across goal after a fantastic run down the right flank. Happy to ‘recycle’ play instead of forcing the long ball. Her pace to get back was unmatched resulting in a lot of success on the right both attacking and defending. 8

Laia Alexandri - She was comfortable at the back, her width allowed Casparij to play higher up and get involved with the attacking play. Her link-up play with Greenwood at the back was important to keep the play moving even when limited in options, very disciplined and patient at the back. 7

Alex Greenwood - Solid performance at the back, nudged Katie Robinson off the ball when she was through on goal, last-ditch fair, clean effort. Refused to force the play when short of options, instead