‘We could have killed game’ admits Man City boss but insists ‘nothing changes’ despite Arsenal loss

City took the lead in the 5th minute thanks to an excellent header from top scorer Bunny Shaw but second half goals from Frida Leonhardsen Maanum and a thunderous Katie McCabe strike handed Arsenal a vital win.

Despite it being their first defeat since September the loss is a hammer blow to City’s Women’s Super League title hopes as they dropped to fourth following the 2-1 reverse with just five games left to play - but head coach Gareth Taylor insists “twists and turns” are still to come.

“Nothing changes. There are still important games to play, five games left for us. Teams still have to play each other so I’m sure there will be a few more twists and turns,” said Taylor.

“We’re still going for it. We need to win the next game and the one after that and all of the remaining ones. That’s what we came here to do today.

City were in control for large parts of the game and Taylor concede he felt his side were frustrated not to come away with something from the game at Meadow Park.

“I thought Yui Hasegawa was top class. I think she’s been top class. I think for the big moments, and in the big games, not just the other games. She’s there and performing at such a high level.”

“I think we showed some good stuff in the first half....some real top football. Like I say, the chances we had were good as well. Lauren’s (Hemp) one was a big chance, if we pull ahead there we kill the game.”

Just three points seperate the top four as Taylor’s side prepare for five final crunch games aiming to - at least - secure qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the Manchester derby on May 21 sure to be crucial in the outcome to both clubs season.