By OkayGoal 
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Lauren Hemp of Manchester City Women celebrates scoring her team’s first goal during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Joie Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Lauren Hemp says that Manchester City’s late 1-0 win over Liverpool is just reward for their efforts.
The Women’s Super League leaders have a Women’s FA Cup semi-final next weekend, against Chelsea.
And Lioness Hemp says that City deserved the victory on Sunday, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Rebecca Knaak – and they’ll go into the next game full of confidence.
“It gives us confidence going into the next game,” she said, according to the club’s website.
“We wanted to make a statement in the league today because we were so frustrated with last week’s performance [against Brighton and Hove Albion, losing 3-2].
“We’ve been working hard all week and it’s what this group deserves.”
Had City won against Brighton, they could have claimed the league title today.
Instead, they must await Arsenal’s progress in their games in hand – with Brighton their next opponents.
Lauren Hemp: Manchester City are incredible
Hemp was named player of the match in recognition of her ever-present attacking threat and her commitment in defence.
She praised Liverpool’s display – but added that City also improved their showing in the second half, with missed opportunities from Bunny Shaw and Kerolin Nicoli to name just two.
“We were pushing in the second half, we took the level up massively, we were creating so many chances and, in the end, we deserved it.
“We’ve worked so hard this season and moments like that make it worth it. Obviously, we’ve still got more to go, we’ve still got a game next week to get us into a final, and the pressure gets piled up.
“But this team is incredible and I’m so pleased to be part of it.”
