Manchester City’s push for a first Women’s Super League title since 2016 was jolted by a surprise 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.
City knew an away victory on Saturday could allow them to clinch the title without playing again, in the event that Arsenal drop points against Leicester City on Wednesday.
However, Andree Jeglertz’s side may now need to win both of their remaining two matches to make sure of the title.
Kerolin’s fifth-minute opener rewarded City’s early dominance, but Madison Haley finished off a fine team move to bring Brighton level in first-half injury time.
Brighton turned the match on its head two minutes into the second half when Kiko Seike ran onto a Fran Kirby through ball and rifled a shot in at the near post.
The home side continued to threaten a shell-shocked City, and with 25 minutes remaining Haley headed in her second after Ayaka Yamashita parried her initial effort.
Khadija Shaw scored her 19th league goal of the season in the 86th minute to give City hope, but Brighton saw out just their second WSL victory over City in 15 attempts.
City had plenty of chances to put the game to bed in the first half as they took four shots and created four big chances.
Shaw, the WSL’s leading scorer, hit the post after taking a pass from Lauren Hemp in her stride, and fired wide later in the half after Hemp found her brilliantly.
Kerolin should have scored her and City’s second minutes before Brighton equalised, but she failed to beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in a one-on-one situation.
Brighton’s response was impressive as City lost a WSL match after taking the lead for the first time this season.
More to follow.
