For 73 minutes City lacked the offensive sharpness expected of title challengers, but in the end their undeniable quality shone through.
It takes an elite mindset not to be affected by missing chance after chance, but for most of the match it looked like Shaw would travel back to Manchester frustrated.
The odds were in her favour – before the match City led the WSL for goals scored during the first half (11), while Leicester had conceded the most in the opening 45 minutes of matches (nine).
But she and her team-mates didn’t let their heads drop, meaning she was alert enough to capitalise on Boureille’s error.
Shaw’s second goal was her 28th headed goal in the WSL, a league record.
“I think in a back five they [Leicester] make things very difficult, especially when the ball comes from the wide areas, but for me I back myself against anyone, so I just have to be ready when the ball’s coming in,” Shaw told Sky Sports.
City also had Kerolin to thank for the energy and directness she brought from the bench.
The 26-year-old certainly made the most of her first WSL minutes since September due to injury, and was fully deserving of her late goal as Shaw turned provider with a perfectly weighted through ball.
“The players showed a lot of patience, we did a good game and created a lot of chances,” City boss Andree Jeglertz told Sky Sports.
“We didn’t score until late on but the players kept on following the game plan, keeping the faith and kept going, there was no frustration. I’m very pleased with the performance.”
