Manchester City marked their Women's Super League title triumph with a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham United, as Khadija Shaw scored twice to reach 21 goals in 22 league matches. The Jamaican forward, widely regarded as one of the world's best centre-forwards, opened the scoring in the first half and added a second after the break, celebrating both goals in front of the travelling City supporters at Dagenham and Redbridge's ground.
The win allowed City to finally lift the WSL trophy on the pitch, having already secured the title ten days earlier when Arsenal drew with Brighton. Despite the lack of competitive tension, the occasion was a joyous one for the champions, who were determined to celebrate their second league title in a decade.
Shaw's future in doubt
Shaw's double took her season tally to 21 goals in 22 WSL appearances, but speculation continues over her future at the club. Reports suggest the striker has received lucrative offers from other clubs, and City fans will be hoping the club can convince her to stay. Her departure would leave a significant void in a team that has relied heavily on her goalscoring prowess.
First-half breakthrough
It was defender Jade Rose who broke the deadlock for City, scoring her first goal for the club with a well-taken effort. The centre-back has impressed in her debut season and was rewarded for her consistent performances. City dominated possession but found West Ham a stubborn opponent, with the hosts having won back-to-back league games for the first time since February 2024.
Second-half dominance
City increased the intensity after the break, and Shaw extended their lead with a clinical finish. West Ham pulled one back through Seraina Piubel, who turned in Ffion Morgan's low cross, but City quickly restored their two-goal cushion. Shaw's second was a low drive into the far corner from the left, before Laura Coombs added a fourth in what was her final league appearance, having announced her retirement after a 19-year career.
Jeglertz's impact
Manager Andrée Jeglertz has been praised for his work off the pitch as much as on it. He arrived last summer to a squad brimming with talent but suffering from a stale culture under predecessor Gareth Taylor, who departed in March 2025. Jeglertz brought a calm, personable approach and fostered a team environment that allowed players to express themselves. Crucially, he found a way to make the partnership between Shaw and Vivianne Miedema work, something that had eluded Taylor.
Miedema's absence in recent weeks, as she deals with her mother's battle with cancer, left City looking less than their best, but they still managed to secure the title with a game to spare. The final whistle at Dagenham and Redbridge was met with emotional scenes, as players and staff embraced before lifting the trophy in modest surroundings.
Looking ahead
City appear to be at the start of a new era under Jeglertz, but the potential loss of Shaw raises questions about whether they can build a dynasty. The club's ability to retain their star striker will be crucial to their hopes of sustained success. For now, though, City can savour a well-deserved title triumph.
