The lowdown on Man City | Polly Starkie

Barclays Women’s Super League action returns to Brisbane Road on Friday with Manchester City the visitors to the capital.

Ahead of the clash under the lights, we spoke to Polly Starkie, freelance sports journalist, to give us the lowdown on the Citizens…

How have City started the season?

Polly: “They started their season with a Friday night trip to Stamford Bridge, no easy feat for any WSL side. A 2-1 loss to Chelsea was reflective of that with the title defenders the far more clinical of the sides.

“The side then had to recover after going behind early at the Joie, ultimately beating Brighton 2-1 in their first home game. While it was not the most convincing performance by a side hungry to find silverware this season, the ever-present Bunny Shaw and midfield maestro Yui Hasegawa were on the score sheet, a reassuring sign of continued form from last season.”

How did City strengthen in the summer?

Polly: “It’s been a busy summer with Andrée Jeglertz coming in as the new manager after Denmark’s Euro 2025 campaign. Player wise, City have strengthened across all areas, introducing exciting prospects and players well versed in the league.

“Defender Jade Rose was the first new addition, having finished studying and playing at Harvard University in the USA. Joining Rose in the backline was the permanent signing of Laura Wienroither who joined City on loan in January of this year from Arsenal. Wienroither has played in the WSL since the winter of 2022.

“19-year-old Iman Beney has had an exciting few months, signing for City, her first move outside of Switzerland, before playing in a home Euros. City’s statement signing was that of 25-year-old German midfielder Sydney Lohmann. It was a huge move for Lohmann having played her entire senior career at a successful Bayern Munich.

“The signing of Scottish goalkeeper Eartha Cumings has perhaps gone slightly under the radar with the noise around the club being about Grace Clinton’s deadline day move from Manchester United.”

Talk to us about Grace Clinton and how she will fit into this team?

Polly: “Many Spurs fans will be familiar with 22-year-old Grace Clinton after her loan spell to Tottenham during the 2023/24 season. As quite a versatile midfielder, Jeglertz’s job of finding where to fit her is made easier. Clinton’s press and attack is strong while defensively she has been impressive in recent years.”

A deadly attack with Vivianne Miedema and Bunny Shaw?

Polly: “To have the all-time leading scorer in the WSL and the Golden Boot winner for the past two seasons in one side is immense. It poses a significant threat to opposition, especially with how consistent Shaw is. They have not yet got the best out of Miedema after she struggled with injuries while returning from her ACL rupture. The Shaw-Miedema link up is one that opponents will be keen to shut down.”

What can we expect from Andrée Jeglertz?

Polly: “Jeglertz is a highly experienced coach having worked across clubs and countries in the Nordic area for a number of years. He joined City at an odd time with a European Championship with Denmark ahead meaning his time with the side in pre-season was very limited. Switching from national team to club football provides a lot of changes but having already experienced that transition, Jeglertz is well suited to adapting. In his own words, Jeglertz has highlighted wanting to play free-flowing attacking football, something that suits the nature and skill set of his squad. The intensity of the WSL will be a new challenge and the speed of the turn around this summer means there may be a period of time before a strong identity under Jeglertz is noted.”

What can we expect from the game?

Polly: “They will be laser focused on not dropping any points, having already lost to Chelsea who won the league undefeated last season. City’s attack has been far from clinical with that potentially an area of focus. The Blues have the stronger head-to-head stats and 87% of the time have come out with three points but after a shaky start against Brighton, cohesion in defence will be vital for City.”