City Women Crowned WSL Champions: The Power of Set Pieces and Teamwork
Manchester City Women Crowned WSL Champions: The Power of Set Pieces
In a thrilling climax to the Women’s Super League season, Manchester City Women clinched the title for the first time in a decade, thanks to a dramatic late winner against Liverpool. The moment was electrifying: Alex Greenwood leapt into the arms of head of goalkeeping Diego Restrepo, celebrating not just a goal, but a championship secured through the art of set pieces.
The decisive goal came from a corner expertly delivered by Greenwood and headed home by Rebecca Knaak, marking Knaak’s second goal of the season and City’s 17th across all competitions. This set-piece triumph was not just a stroke of luck; it was the culmination of meticulous planning and strategy spearheaded by Restrepo.
This season has been dubbed “the year of the set piece,” with teams across the league harnessing the power of dead-ball situations. City has excelled in this area, scoring a league-high 17 goals from set plays, including 14 from corners. Their defensive prowess is equally impressive, conceding just one goal from set pieces, showcasing a well-rounded approach that has been pivotal to their success.
Restrepo, a Venezuelan-born former USWNT youth international, has been instrumental in this achievement. He emphasizes the psychological battle that set pieces present, particularly for goalkeepers. “Set pieces are a massive psychological battle,” he explains. “The stress they cause can account for nearly 70% of a goalkeeper’s game load.”
The tactical acumen displayed during the title-clinching match against Liverpool exemplifies this. Despite facing a tough defense, Greenwood identified an opportunity to switch tactics from an inswinging to an outswinging corner, a decision that ultimately led to the winning goal. “Alex came over to the bench and said: ‘Hey, we should try an outswinger,’” Restrepo recalls. “That’s the trust we have in our department.”
The collaboration between players and coaching staff has been vital. Head coach Andree Jeglertz has allowed Restrepo the freedom to focus on set pieces, dedicating time for on-field practice and video analysis. This commitment to honing set-piece strategies has set City apart, allowing them to capitalize on their strengths while minimizing vulnerabilities.
City’s dominance in set pieces is not just a product of strategy; it’s also about the caliber of players. With aerial threats like Bunny Shaw and Knaak, City has the tools to exploit corners effectively. Greenwood’s exceptional delivery has further solidified her role as a key player, recording six assists directly from corners this season.
As the season draws to a close, City’s focus shifts to the FA Cup final against Brighton & Hove Albion, a team that poses a unique challenge, having yet to concede from a corner this season. However, buoyed by their recent triumph and the retention of star player Shaw, Restrepo and his squad are ready to embrace the challenge.
“Keeping her is massive,” Restrepo states. “She’s an incredible human being and the best forward in the world. This is a big statement from the club, showing their commitment to building a top-tier women’s program.”
With a championship title in hand and aspirations for a dynasty, Manchester City Women are poised to continue their ascent in women’s football, proving that the power of set pieces can indeed lead to glory.