NICK CUSHING is ready to turn his attention to Manchester City’s WSL test against Chelsea after his side beat them in Europe last night.
Vivianne Miedema’s brace sealed City’s 2-0 Champions League quarters first-leg victory, ending the Blues’ 31-game unbeaten run.
Nick Cushing guided Manchester City to a hardfought win at Joie Stadium on their return to Champions League action[/caption]
Two second-half goals for Vivianne Miedema sealed City’s quarter-final first leg victory[/caption]
Brazil forward Kerolin impressed for City on her first European outing since joining the club in January[/caption]
The Netherlands star’s second-half double enabled the Cityzens to avenge their League Cup final loss to Chelsea before their second-leg clash next Thursday at Stamford Bridge.
Before then the rivals meet at the Etihad this Sunday at 2:30pm in the top tier.
And Cushing is targeting his first match win in the top tier since his Man City return last week.
His side are currently fourth in the WSL and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after losing four of their 16 games this term.
The interim Cityzens boss, who oversaw his first game at Joie Stadium since 2019, said: We wanted to win, we’ve won with a two-goal lead.
“We can put that one away now and focus on the league game, because our league position isn’t where we want it and Sunday’s game becomes crucial.
“After that we prepare for the Stamford Bridge (reverse Champions League) game.
“We know any game against Chelsea is going to be incredibly difficult.
“The confidence and belief comes from knowing that we can play whatever game is in front of us.”
While striker Khadija Shaw and forward Aoba Fujino joining Lauren Hemp on the Cityzens’ crocked list, Cushing opted to start Miedema on the bench on Wednesday night.
His side had three first-half shots on target including 19-year-old Lily Murphy’s low strike close to half-time which prompted a comfortable save from keeper Hannah Hampton.
With visitors Chelsea content to soak up pressure, Cushing shuffled his deck bringing Miedema on in the second half.
The WSL record scorer rewarded him with a 60th-minute shot into the roof of the net before a late strike with two minutes of normal time left.
After the match Miedema said: “I’m honestly happy that I could come on and help the team.
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has backed her Blues to bounce back in their WSL duel with City at the Etihad on March 23[/caption]
“This is the standard that we need to set ourselves. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next two games (against Chelsea).
“It’s a really special (win). We’ve had a couple of special Champions League nights here this season.
“We had the win over Barcelona as well, but this one feels really really good.”
