Chalien Dantes / Contributor

Khadija Shaw once again proved crucial for Manchester City, finding the net and constantly troubling Liverpool’s defence as the defending Women’s Super League champions fought back from behind to preserve their perfect start to the season.

City struck first after just 13 minutes when Lauren Hemp raced onto Carlotta Wamser’s pass and finished past former City goalkeeper Khiara Keating. Liverpool, however, quickly turned the match around by capitalising on mistakes at the back.

Alice Bergstrom pulled the visitors level in the 19th minute after City surrendered possession, before Vivien Endemann pounced on a loose ball ten minutes later to put Liverpool 2-1 ahead.

With City searching for a response, Shaw became increasingly dangerous. The Jamaican striker struck the post from a difficult angle before eventually getting her reward in first half stoppage time.

Hemp’s low effort was parried towards the goal line by Keating, and Shaw reacted quickest, forcing the ball home to send City into the break level at 2-2.

Shaw continued to threaten after the restart and nearly put City ahead when she met a flowing attacking move from close range, only for Keating to produce a strong save and tip her effort over the crossbar.

Liverpool continued to cause problems of their own, but City refused to settle for a point and eventually broke through in a dramatic finish. Grace Fisk turned Grace Clinton’s cross into her own net in the 90th minute to hand the hosts the lead.

Hemp then raced clear in added time and calmly finished to complete the victory with her second goal of the night.

While Hemp provided the finishing touch, Shaw’s equaliser and constant presence in Liverpool’s penalty area played a major role in dragging City back into the contest and setting up their late charge to victory. The result gave the defending champions a third consecutive league win and kept their perfect start intact.