From breathtaking goal feasts to defining moments that shaped seasons, the Etihad Stadium has borne witness to an array of unforgettable clashes over the past two decades. This iconic arena has etched its name into both the Club’s and English football’s history, solidifying Manchester City’s standing among the continent’s football giants.
Yet, this influential legacy doesn’t solely pertain to the men’s game. In fact, City’s Women’s team has taken the hallowed Etihad turf on three occasions since its rebirth as a professional outfit in 2014.
And another such encounter is on the horizon, as they prepare to make a return for the 2023/24 Manchester derby clash in March 2024.
Let’s embark on a retrospective journey through our previous showdowns…
CITY 1-0 EVERTON LADIES | 4 MAY 2014
This is where it all began.
A mere three weeks after our official relaunch in January 2014, City faced Everton in the Etihad Stadium, marking our first competitive fixture since the relaunch. Having secured victory against Reading in the FA Cup, Nick Cushing’s side had weathered four consecutive defeats against Liverpool, Bristol Academy, Chelsea, and Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Amidst promising performances, a positive outcome was imperative to reshape our debut professional season. And that transformative moment arrived in a historic confrontation with Everton, a victory hard-fought until the final minute of normal time.
After a series of near-misses, Natasha Flint capitalized on a rebound, tapping the ball into the net after a dangerous cross from Izzy Christiansen. The subsequent jubilation and relief were tangible, though a matter of inches prevented us from settling for a draw when Michelle Hinnigan’s late attempt struck the post.
This triumph signaled the dawn of a significant chapter, as it marked the start of our journey to clinching the Conti Cup by the end of our inaugural campaign.
CITY 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED | 7 SEPTEMBER 2019
Fast-forwarding five years, City was firmly established as a major force in the Women’s Super League, boasting six major honours. The 2019/20 season commenced with a historic professional Manchester derby at the Etihad.
Pressure mounted on Nick Cushing’s squad, fresh from securing a domestic cup double and finishing second in the WSL, as they hosted newly-promoted Manchester United. The stage was set for a riveting spectacle before 33,213 attendees, a record league attendance at that time.
City found themselves less fluid in the early stages, and a phenomenal save by Ellie Roebuck from former blue Jane Ross’s close-range shot kept the scores level.
However, the hosts found inspiration in Caroline Weir’s moment of brilliance. Taking advantage of United’s failure to clear, Weir unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25 yards, burying it into the top corner of the net.
This magical strike left commentators in awe and etched its place in our women’s team history. Despite a late deflected effort from United’s Jackie Groenen striking the post, City triumphed in a historic fixture that showcased their mettle.
CITY 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED | 11 DECEMBER 2022
In 2022, our Women’s team scaled even greater heights at the Etihad Stadium, drawing a staggering 44,259 fans for a December showdown between City and United. This marked a notable increase of over 11,000 compared to the previous record attendance for a women’s fixture.
Both teams arrived as genuine title contenders, with United having lost just once in the WSL by then.
A formidable City side, gathering momentum with nine consecutive victories across competitions, faced a thrilling clash. Despite United taking the lead through Leah Galton’s deflected strike, City remained undeterred.
Gareth Taylor’s side, spurred on by an electrifying crowd, secured an equalizer as Laura Coombs headed home Chloe Kelly’s inviting cross. This pivotal goal set the Etihad alight and secured a well-fought draw.
The match unfolded as a captivating battle between two title contenders, culminating in an intense final 30 minutes. Ultimately, rearguard actions at both ends prevented either side from clinching victory. This gripping duel between City and United’s women’s teams underscored their rivalry’s intensity and the anticipation it garnered.