Mary Fowler's Injury Compounds Cityzens' Challenges as Depleted Hosts Face FA Cup Semi-Final Defeat

Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Manchester City’s season is at risk of concluding disappointingly following the loss of their Australian forward to injury during a lackluster defeat against local rivals.

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City’s aspirations for silverware this season were dashed after being outperformed by Manchester United in a 2-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat on Sunday.

Entering the match, City was already missing key players, including Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema, Alex Greenwood, Rebecca Knaak, and Aoba Fujino, leaving them with a weakened squad that struggled to cope with the energetic visitors.

United opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Ella Toone delivered a precise pass to Celin Bizet, who skillfully curled a shot past goalkeeper Khiara Keating.

The situation worsened for City when Grace Clinton headed in a corner from Gabby George in the 22nd minute, shortly before star forward Mary Fowler had to leave the field due to a knee injury.

The hosts displayed some resilience when Kerolin attempted an audacious shot with her back to goal, forcing keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce to tip the ball over the bar. However, it could have been 3-0 when Bizet broke through on a counter-attack, only for Keating to intervene.

City began the second half with renewed energy, prompting a remarkable double save from Tullis-Joyce, who first deflected Yui Hasegawa’s 20-yard free-kick onto the crossbar and then reacted swiftly to deny Lily Murphy’s close-range follow-up.

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At the other end, substitute Naomi Layzell made a crucial block to prevent United from scoring a third, while Keating also thwarted a powerful shot from Bizet on the rebound.

Ultimately, the defending champions United advanced to their third consecutive FA Cup final, where they will face Chelsea.

Meanwhile, City must contemplate how their fierce rivals have left them trailing behind.

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About Author

Oluwaseun Oyediji

I am a huge advocate of Women’s football after covering the Nigeria Women Football Leagues (NWFL) since 2019. An unbiased football writer with penchant for women’s in sports and historical analysis.

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