During the game against Manchester United at Etihad, Jess Park had a breakthrough season at Manchester City. When Jill Roord suffered an ACL injury in January, there were concerns that it could derail the team’s title hopes. Park, who became a member of City as a winger in 2017, is excited about her recent role change as the number. Gareth Taylor’s team has been motivated by the player’s impressive performances in big victories over Chelsea, Arsenal, and United. As a lifelong City supporter, the player dreamed of emulating Sergio Aguero and scoring two goals against their rivals to put their team on top of the Women’s Super League standings is a dream come true. Phil Foden, a lifelong City supporter, achieved a similar victory against United in March, winning at the Etihad Stadium with the same scoreline. Now, it was Park’s opportunity to do the same. City received two positive developments that Guardiola had been anticipating. Additionally, the risk City is taking with Grealish could work in their favor in countering Arsenal’s plan. Just a few months ago, United were in a better position than their city rivals at Old Trafford, aiming to continue their unbeaten run in the league and establish themselves as title contenders. However, the match ended with the visitors celebrating and showed the clear gap in quality between the two teams, leading to the significant difference in the table now. Heading into this weekend’s game at the Etihad, the situation is quite different. This time, City had the upper hand as they aimed to be three points ahead of Chelsea before their match against West Ham United on Sunday. United, on the other hand, went to east Manchester as the potential disruptors. A victory against their rivals in their own stadium would not completely ease the disappointment of a disappointing season, but preventing City from securing their first WSL title since 2016 would help alleviate some of the fans’ frustrations. Even Blues manager Taylor acknowledged the significance of the match for his team.
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