Manchester City legend gets guard of honour with title dream still alive despite late drama

Manchester City's Steph Houghton was given a guard of honour as she remains hopeful for a "dream ending" to her decade-long tenure at the club, despite a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Lauren Hemp, England's shining talent, put City ahead with an impressive display of skill at Joie Stadium and immediately dashed to share the joy with Houghton on the sidelines.

Having announced her retirement from playing last month, Houghton gathered her teammates in a huddle, pushing them to maintain focus with the prospect of their first league title since 2016 within reach.

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City dominated the first half but failed to capitalise, leaving the door ajar for Arsenal. The Gunners seized the opportunity in the second half, with Stina Blackstenius netting two late goals, throwing the title race wide open for Chelsea, despite manager Emma Hayes previously writing off their chances.

Houghton, who watched from the bench in her final home appearance, firmly believes City can bounce back in the season's last match. City are set to face Aston Villa while Chelsea go head-to-head with Manchester United.

"It's disappointing," expressed Houghton to Sky Sports about the result, "I think we started really well and controlled most of the first half. They just got on top of us in the second half and obviously to concede two isn't great but I can't fault the girls for their effort. The situation stays the same. We still have a chance to beat Villa and hopefully win that title."

Though City boasts a superior goal difference over their title rivals, Chelsea possess an