SOCCER: Man City go nine points clear in WSL after 2-1 win over London City

LONDON — Striker Bunny Shaw scored a late winner as Manchester City defeated London City Lionesses 2-1 on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League standings to nine points.

Manchester City now sit at the top of the table with 36 points, while champions Chelsea remain second with 27 points. Arsenal follow closely in third place with 26 points.

Chelsea, who have won the last six league titles, lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal on Saturday. The result gave Man City a golden opportunity to strengthen their hold on first place, but they faced tough competition from a rapidly improving London City side.

The leaders opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Vivianne Miedema set up Kerolin with a perfectly timed run. The Brazilian striker calmly finished for her third league goal of the season.

Despite being mid-table in their first top-flight season, the Lionesses fought hard. Isobel Godwin hit the woodwork twice before London City levelled the match in the 68th minute. Freya Godfrey fired a powerful shot into the top corner to make it 1-1.

City struggled for much of the second half, but finally found the breakthrough late in the game. London City failed to clear a corner, and Shaw smashed the ball into the net for her 13th goal of the season, sealing the victory for Manchester City.

Elsewhere in the league, Liverpool secured their first win of the season as Mia Enderby scored twice during second-half stoppage time to earn a 2-0 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur. However, Liverpool remain at the bottom of the table after West Ham United beat Leicester City 2-1 away.

Manchester United also enjoyed a strong result, scoring three goals in seven second-half minutes to beat Aston Villa 4-1. The win moved United into fourth place, just one point behind Arsenal.

-Reporting by Philip O’Connor/Reuters