Manchester City Women in Flying Form

It was recently announced that away tickets in the Premier League have been capped at £30 for next season, and the whole country rejoiced! Some teams have been known to sell their away tickets for double that—and then some—so this was a fantastic step in the right direction for the men’s game. So, that’s £30 for a football match. Well, then you’ve got to buy the £4 programme, too. Oh, and the £5 chicken and Balti pie. Just don’t get thirsty, you may have to re-mortgage to buy a pint. There’s also currently no cap on home games in the Premier League, so it will depend on if you support Bournemouth or Arsenal as to how much a match would set you back.

But we all love football, so what does it matter eh? It’s an investment into fun! But, what if I told you that a ticket to watch Manchester City Women (MCWFC) against Arsenal Ladies a couple of weeks ago cost £5? They even threw in a free match-day programme and poster too. You can’t buy a Freddo for that much in some places! However, buying a ticket to MCWFC isn’t like buying a DVD from the fella in the pub for a cheaper price – you still get top-notch quality. The pace and strength of any Women’s Super League (WSL) game is just as impressive as any Premier League one, and City have been scoring some exquisite goals this season.

City have been raking in the fans this season, with four-figure attendances regularly being noted, creating a great atmosphere in their brand-spanking-new Academy Stadium just opposite The Etihad Stadium. City are yet to concede a goal in the five games they’ve played this season, and are looking comfortable in front of goal also with five wins on the bounce! All but one game has finished 2-0 so far, with one being a very impressive win over big rivals Arsenal Ladies. The one game that didn’t finish 2-0 was a 1-0 win over Notts County that brought about the most exciting moment of the season so far, as a last minute free-kick from captain Steph Houghton flew into the net! Clean-sheets, and especially digging out 1-0 wins, are exactly what makes a championship-winning side, so City are kicking off this campaign perfectly!

Manager Nick Cushing has assembled a very well-balanced side. Big performances are being pulled-out by players from all positions. Steph Houghton’s goal against Notts County might have been the highlight of the season so far, but her defensive display has been equally as impressive alongside the rest of the back four and goalkeeper Karen Bardsley. Notabley, Demi Stokes has been just as important to City’s attack as their defence, as she bombs on from the left-back position.

Midfielder Jill Scott has also kicked off the season in great form, involved in all the midfield action, giving no opponent a moment’s time on the ball, as she covers so much ground. Rumour has it that Jill Scott could take a corner, head it in, and have the ball back on the centre-circle before a defender has jumped to clear the corner. Even Doctor Who would struggle to find time on the ball with Scott around. (Is it okay I just made that very uncool reference? It’s not okay, I take it back).

The British trio that are Toni Duggan, Nikkita Parris and Jane Ross are doing their job at the top end of the field also, with all of the attackers amongst the goals already. Fellow attacker and new signing Kosovare Assllani looks like she has lots to bring to the table too this season, giving Nick Cushing a variety of attacking options before him for the season ahead.

BT Sport will be showing games from the (WSL) this season, but don’t let that stop you getting down to watch a game at The Academy Stadium this season! The season runs from March to October, meaning that Premier League fans can fill their summer void by getting down to the Academy Stadium to watch the Women’s Team.