Liverpool are yet to win a WSL game at Anfield
Khadija Shaw scored a stoppage-time winner for Manchester City as they beat Liverpool at Anfield to move top of the Women's Super League.
It was an anxious afternoon in Merseyside for City before Shaw cancelled out Olivia Smith's first-half opener and then struck the post with minutes remaining.
The Jamaican striker eventually found the winner in the second minute of added time, firing powerfully past goalkeeper Rachael Laws and dealing a late blow to the hosts.
Liverpool, who were without manager Matt Beard due to illness, looked set to hold out for a draw after a strong opening half but buckled under City's pressure.
They had an injury-troubled afternoon with goalkeeper Laws having several issues throughout the second half after standout performer Smith and key centre-back Gemma Bonner were forced off.
But City, who also missed Vivianne Miedema and Naomi Layzell, were persistent and it paid off as they collected their reward for a relentless second half.
The result capped off a strong week for the visitors, who stunned European champions Barcelona in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday.
Liverpool threaten but City battle
Liverpool were under no illusions as to how difficult this match would be having seen City's sensational performance against Barcelona during the week.
They were helped by the absences of Miedema and Layzell but Liverpool had quality of their own in club record signing Smith, who dominated the first half and showed her defensive traits, as well as her devastating pace.
She caused all kinds of problems for Gareth Taylor's side with the usually flawless Laia Aleixandri and Alex Greenwood unable to match her speed and physicality.
Her injury – picked up as she struck Liverpool's 41st-minute opener from distance, having won the ball inside City's half – was a huge blow and when she did reappear for the second half, it was with a heavy limp as she took her seat in the stands.
Liverpool had shown plenty of positive signs as Marie Hobinger's free-kick set up a Bonner header which looped over the bar, while Cornelia Kapocs also had a header cleared off the line by Greenwood after the break.
If those at the top of the WSL needed a reminder of their ability to compete, having seen the Reds beat Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea last season, this was it.
But while Liverpool caused problems, City always looked likely to respond and they did through the ever-reliable Shaw, nodding past goalkeeper Laws, before blasting the ball past her at the near post in a dramatic finale.
She ran off to celebrate in front of the away fans at full-time as chants of "Blue Moon" rang around Anfield.
The success put them a point clear of defending champions Chelsea, who recorded a big victory over rivals Arsenal on Saturday.
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