Gemma Bonner on City challenge, Zelem influence and more
In her latest column, Liverpool Ladies captain Gemma Bonner talks about the victory at Sunderland and the growing influence in front of goal of Katie Zelem, and looks ahead to tonight's Women's Super League clash with Manchester City at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes.
We were absolutely delighted to return to winning ways when we beat Sunderland 4-0 away, on the same night Liverpool were playing in the Europa League final. First and foremost, we have been disappointed with the amount of goals we have conceded so far this season, so to keep a clean sheet was really pleasing. As a team we have always had the ability to score goals but because of our attacking nature, it has left us exposed at times. So to get that kind of result away from home was definitely a step in the right direction and something we need to try to build on.
Rosie White scored an excellent early goal for us in the game to give us the momentum. She has been performing really well for us and I was delighted for her to get on the scoresheet. Katie Zelem also scored again, meaning she is our top scorer so far this season. For us to be having our goals come from all over the pitch is important and Katie has shown she is a real attacking threat for us in midfield.
Another positive from the Sunderland game was welcoming back Satara Murray into the team after injury. Satty was out for a long time and missed the majority of pre-season. It was great to have her back and she definitely added more resilience and balance to our backline, I thought she performed brilliantly and I am confident she will keep on improving.
We are back in action tonight when we host WSL leaders Manchester City at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes. It is our last game until June 26, when we play City again away from home. We are under no illusions as to the size of the task we face but we are at home and we want to end the first half of the season on a high. We have had wonderful support and I can't thank our fantastic fans enough. Despite the Europa League final happening on the same night, it was incredible to see how many of our supporters travelled up to Sunderland and I know all of the players really appreciated that.
City beat us in the first game of our season, winning 2-0 in the Women's FA Cup. For us, that was our first competitive game as a new-look team under new manager Scott Rogers. In hindsight that game maybe came too early for us and I think as a squad we are much stronger now. Manchester City are flying high at the top of the league and have a strong core of players which they have continued to add quality to. Jane Ross has been a key signing for them which has really bolstered their forward line, but we know that all over the pitch they have players who can hurt any team so we need to be disciplined and defend well.
For me, City will be up there as contenders for the WSL title this season, they are the leading light in women's football having the foundations set for success, and they have set the benchmark for other teams in the WSL to catch up to. That said, I don't think they are unbeatable. Although they are the only team in the league not to have conceded a goal this season, if we are organised and continue with the attacking flair that we have been showing then there is no reason why we can't continue with our recent good run of scoring goals to give our fans something to cheer about.
Tonight is very much a challenge we are looking forward to. We will give them the respect they deserve but we shouldn't be fearful of them and it would be fantastic to have a great crowd behind us to cheer us on!
Kick-off at the Select Security Stadium tonight is at 6.30pm BST.