Manchester City 6-1 Aston Villa: Khadija Shaw hits four as WSL leaders Man City beat Villa

Khadija Shaw scored four goals as Manchester City beat Aston Villa to ensure they will take a six-point lead in the Women’s Super League into 2026.

Shaw’s opening goal was her 100th in all competitions for City – the first time a female player has reached that landmark for the club in the professional era.

The Jamaican – easily the best player on the pitch – doubled her tally for the day before half-time, completed her hat-trick late in the second half, and still found time to add a fourth in stoppage time.

Villa started well at Joie Stadium but could not keep pace after Shaw gave title-chasing City a 2-0 lead, and Aoba Fujino added a third in the second half.

Manager Andree Jeglertz, who has overseen an impressive start since joining City in the summer, was able to bring on England defender Alex Greenwood for her first appearance since October after recovering from a knee injury.

The City captain was given a warm reception, as was full-back Kerstin Casparij on her 100th appearance for the club.

Villa could do little to combat City’s quality but scored a consolation at 3-0 down in the second half, when Lucy Parker headed in following a corner.

Their celebrations were shortlived, though, as Fujino teed up Vivianne Miedema for City’s fourth three minutes later.

City end the year six points clear of defending champions Chelsea in the WSL, while Villa are eighth with three wins from their 11 matches.