Late-Game Heroics Become City's New Trademark

Manchester City's dramatic 86th-minute winner against Liverpool marked their sixth goal scored after the 80th minute this WSL campaign - a staggering 35% of their league-leading 17 goals. This newfound capacity for late drama symbolizes the team's transformed mentality under Swedish tactician Andree Jeglertz.

"When we concede first, there's no panic," Jeglertz told Sky Sports after the Anfield victory. "You see players taking responsibility rather than waiting for miracles." The statistics support this:

• +6 points gained from losing positions (WSL high)
• 9 different goalscorers (most in division)
• Scoring in all 6 league matches (only team to achieve this)

Tactical Evolution: From Pep-lite to Vertical Football

Full-back Kerstin Casparij revealed the philosophical shift: "We've moved away from pure Guardiola-style possession. Now we're encouraged to play vertical passes when space opens up." This tactical liberation has produced:

✅ 25% faster attacking transitions than 2023-24 season ✅ 18% increase in final-third entries from wide areas ✅ Reduced reliance on Khadija Shaw (4 goals) through diversified scoring

Defensive Growing Pains

While City's attack thrives, defensive concerns remain:

⚠️ 8 goals conceded in 6 games (3rd worst in top 5) ⚠️ 42% of goals from defensive errors (WSL average: 29%) ⚠️ Full-back overlaps leaving CB pairing exposed

Jeglertz acknowledged improvements needed: "Our first-half intensity at Anfield wasn't title-winning level. The reaction after conceding showed our potential, but consistency defines champions."

Injury Crisis Tests Squad Depth

City's resurgence becomes more impressive considering:

✖️ Missing 4 starting-caliber wingers (Hemp, Kerolin, Murphy, Fowler) ✖️ Playing 3 of last 5 matches without recognized striker ✖️ Relying on 19-year-old midfielder Aoba Fujino for crucial goals

Title Credentials to Be Tested

Upcoming fixtures will prove if City's revival has substance:

🗓️ Nov 9: vs Chelsea (1st) 🗓️ Dec 14: at Arsenal (3rd) 🗓️ Jan 4: Manchester Derby (Away)

With Chelsea showing vulnerability (2 losses already), City's blend of tactical flexibility and mental fortitude makes them genuine contenders. As Jeglertz's system becomes ingrained, this could finally be the season City shed their 'nearly team' tag.