Manchester City finished fourth in the Women's Super League last season
At a glance
Vivianne Miedema and Laura Blindkilde Brown put Manchester City in charge
Nikita Parris pulls a goal back with a superb finish
Khadija Shaw converts twice from the penalty spot
Manchester City secure their third WSL win of the season
Khadija Shaw scored twice from the penalty spot as Manchester City notched up a convincing victory over London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League.
Manchester City took an early lead when Vivianne Miedema got on the end of a cross from Kerstin Casparij to head in from close range.
Laura Blindkilde Brown added a second with a low effort through a crowded box after Alex Greenwood's shot was blocked.
London City pulled a goal back when they stole possession following some casual defending and Nikita Parris found the corner of the net with a clinical finish on the turn.
Isobel Goodwin nearly equalised for London City with a spectacular long-range effort after spotting goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita off her line.
Parris also went close before the break with a deflected effort which flashed past the post, but Manchester City took charge after the interval.
Jamaica striker Shaw won and converted two spot-kicks in the second half, punishing a handball by Saki Kumagai and a foul by Wassa Sangare.
The result ensured Manchester City stay in touch with the early WSL pacesetters with a third win in four matches.
Man City analysis: Shaw starting to rediscover form
Shaw bagged 19 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City in the 2024-25 campaign.
But she had yet to spark into life in the early part of this season.
There were encouraging signs in this contest that the 28-year-old is edging back towards something like her best.
Shaw held the ball up well, showed good movement around the penalty area and was always an outlet.
She attempted seven shots, the most by a player in a WSL game this season.
Her persistence was rewarded when she won and scored two penalties.
Kumagai blocked Shaw's angled shot with her hand and Shaw was then scythed down by Sangare.
Twice Shaw confidently buried the ball low into the corner beyond goalkeeper Elene Lete.
London City analysis: Precheur paying the penalty
London City have conceded four penalties in as many WSL matches this season.
It is a rather unfortunate habit that coach Jocelyn Precheur could do with coaxing out of his side sooner rather than later.
While Manchester City were worthy winners, the two spot-kicks certainly overshadowed a decent outing from the visitors.
London City were thrashed 5-1 by Manchester United and 4-1 by Arsenal in their opening two WSL games, but they were far from outclassed by their opponents at the Joie Stadium.
Precheur's side were on the front foot and their expansive style ensured Manchester City were never allowed to settle.
The Frenchman's side attempted 427 passes in this game, their highest total in a WSL game this season.
Equally, they carried an attacking threat to Manchester City with Goodwin and Parris a potent and effective combination.
If they tighten up at the back and eradicate their propensity for giving away penalties, a few more results should go the newly promoted side's way.
What's next for these teams?
Manchester City host fellow title hopefuls Arsenal on Saturday at 12:00 BST, while London City are at home to Liverpool at 11:55 the following day.
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