The England forward stole the show in a comfortable win over the Hammers, while Khadija Shaw's impressive cameo helped to ensure victory
Lauren Hemp continued her electric early-season form with a starring role in Manchester City's 2-0 win over West Ham on Sunday. It was not a vintage performance from Gareth Taylor's side, owing to the rotation in his starting XI ahead of a big clash with European champions Barcelona on Wednesday, as well as a rather solid display from the Hammers. But Hemp provided the star quality necessary to keep the opponent at harm's length before Mary Fowler made sure of all three points.
There were just 10 minutes on the clock when Hemp opened the scoring, pouncing on some hesitant and confused defending from the visitors. However, it wasn't a goal that opened any floodgates. City were stuck in second gear for most of this game, though they weren't troubled by West Ham enough to need to step it up.
After the break, there was more intensity from the home side, with Hammers goalkeeper Kinga Szemik forced into two outstanding saves from Hemp, who was also guilty of blazing a great chance over the bar after good work from Chloe Kelly. It wasn't until 20 minutes from time when the result was put beyond doubt, however, as substitutes Khadija Shaw and Aoba Fujino caused problems immediately for West Ham as the former picked out Fowler at the back post to head home.
It means Taylor's side are the early season pacesetters in the Women's Super League, with seven points from their opening three fixtures.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Joie Stadium…
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Ayaka Yamashita (6/10):
Only had a few relatively comfortable saves to make.
Kerstin Casparij (7/10):
Got forward brilliantly and was near faultless in possession. Didn't let West Ham in much down her side, either.
Laia Aleixandri (6/10):
Played a few loose passes, though covered well defensively.
Alex Greenwood (6/10):
Her usual defence-splitting passes from deep were lacking on this occasion.
Leila Ouahabi (7/10):
Supported Hemp well to create a dual threat down the left that regularly caused problems. Only denied a goal by the woodwork.
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Yui Hasegawa (8/10):
Played some wonderful passes and battled brilliantly off the ball, too.
Laura Blindkilde Brown (5/10):
Worked hard in the middle of the park but overall had a pretty quiet game.
Jill Roord (7/10):
Her first start since January after an ACL injury but wasn't rusty. Energetic, positive and direct before coming off at the break.
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Chloe Kelly (5/10):
Had a couple of nice moments without having a major impact.
Mary Fowler (6/10):
Made the most of a rare opportunity to make it 2-0. Pressed well.
Lauren Hemp (8/10):
Extremely lively down the left to cause West Ham plenty of problems.
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Vivianne Miedema (6/10):
A strong 45-minute performance in which plenty of positive play went through her.
Khadija Shaw (7/10):
Made an instant impact off the bench, crossing for Fowler to head home, and maintained that threat in her 20-minute cameo.
Aoba Fujino (7/10):
Injected plenty of energy to the attack and also played a significant role in Fowler's goal straight after coming on.
Naomi Layzell (N/A):
On in the final stages to help City see the win out.
Alanna Kennedy (N/A):
Also helped make sure of the win after her late introduction.
Gareth Taylor (7/10):
Rested key players ahead of a big clash with Barcelona on Wednesday, and while that rotation played a part in an under-par performance, it didn't come at the cost of the result. Substitutions came at a good time and helped make sure of the win.
