Manchester City's star striker, Khadija Shaw, has cemented her position as one of the world's top players, scoring four goals in her team's 6-1 thrashing of Aston Villa. This impressive performance not only extended City's lead at the top of the Women's Super League (WSL) table to six points but also marked a significant milestone in Shaw's career - her 100th goal for the club. The Jamaican international is the first female player in the professional era to achieve this feat in all competitions for Manchester City.
Shaw's achievement is a testament to her exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance. The 28-year-old has reached this landmark in just 120 games, showcasing her remarkable goal-scoring ability. Her recent form has been nothing short of phenomenal, with eight goals and two assists in her last four WSL matches. Shaw's 1.11 goals-per-game rate this season is a clear indication of her dominance in the league, leaving her nearest competitors trailing behind.
As the WSL top-scorer, Shaw has netted as many goals as Liverpool has managed all season, a staggering statistic that highlights her importance to Manchester City. The club's fans, who affectionately chant "Scoring goals for fun, best centre-forward in the land" in her honor, stayed behind after the match to show their appreciation for her remarkable achievement. A video tribute featuring messages from sporting legends like Usain Bolt, Ian Wright, Steph Houghton, and Jill Scott was played on the big screens, further solidifying Shaw's status as a fan favorite.
Manchester is my home," Shaw said, prompting a huge roar from the crowd. "I'm so happy for her, of course, but also for this club, to have her in this environment and in our team. She is affecting things," added manager Andree Jeglertz, confirming that the club is in discussions with Shaw over a potential new deal.
Jeglertz praised Shaw's work ethic, stating that she is "never satisfied" and is always striving to improve. The manager highlighted Shaw's ability to score goals in different ways, a trait that has developed over time. This versatility has made her a nightmare for opposing teams to face, as Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo can attest. Arroyo described Shaw as the "best striker in the league" and acknowledged that her team struggled to minimize the Jamaican international's impact.
As Shaw continues to break records and push the boundaries of what is possible, her dedication to her craft remains unwavering. Despite facing challenges, including the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa in her home country, Shaw remains focused on her goals. Her emotional post-match interview, in which she paid tribute to the victims of the hurricane, showcased her compassion and humanity. With her current contract set to expire in July 2026, Manchester City will be eager to secure her services for the long term, ensuring that Shaw continues to thrive in her adopted home.
In the world of women's football, Khadija Shaw is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and natural talent. As she continues to inspire fans and break records, her legacy as one of the greatest players of her generation is already cemented. With her remarkable milestone of 100 goals for Manchester City, Shaw has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with, and her name will be etched in the history books for years to come.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
