When Gareth Taylor, Liverpool head coach stepped onto the sidelines at St Helens Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2025, he was hoping to snap a three‑match losing streak. Instead, his side fell 2‑0 behind early and never recovered against Manchester United Women’s Team, who kept their unbeaten run alive in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Goals from Japan international Hinata Miyazawa and England midfielder Ella Toone sealed the victory, leaving Liverpool still adrift at the bottom of the table.
Why Liverpool’s season has hit the skids
The Reds entered the campaign with high hopes, yet they have yet to earn a single point. Alongside West Ham United, Liverpool sits on zero points after three games. Their defensive record is especially alarming – twelve goals conceded across the last five home fixtures, two or more in each match. The numbers tell a grim story: a goal‑difference of –12 and a possession stat that dropped to what a commentator called “super super low” after the break.
Adding insult to injury, the game opened with a tribute to former Liverpool boss Matt Beard, who passed away the previous weekend. Fans sang a heartfelt rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the club’s anthem, before the kickoff, reminding everyone why the badge means more than points.
Match timeline: United’s early spark and Liverpool’s missed chances
From the first whistle, United pressed with purpose. In the fourth minute, Miyazawa latched onto a Jess Park cross, szed her left foot and hammered a half‑volley from about 18 yards. The ball thumped off the post before rattling in, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe clutching at air. The early lead forced Liverpool into a chase‑down rhythm they never quite mastered.
Just before the half‑hour mark, Lily Woodham limped off with an injury, prompting an early substitution that disrupted Liverpool’s back line further. United’s pressure never waned; Miyazawa nearly added a second when a left‑footed drive ricocheted off the woodwork and back into play.
First‑half stoppage time brought the final nail. After a swift United move down the right flank, Elisabeth Terland slipped a clever cut‑back into the box. Toone met the ball with composure, slotting it past Borggrafe to make it 2‑0. The goal underscored United’s attacking variety – six different scorers this season – and left Liverpool with little to cling to.
Voices from the dugouts: confidence versus frustration
Post‑match, Marc Skinner, United’s head coach, told Sky Sports, “The players are really gelling. The spirit is exactly where I want it to be right now, it’s a magical part of being a Manchester United team.” His optimism was palpable, reflecting the squad’s unbeaten status and goal‑rich form.
For Gareth Taylor, the reaction was more measured. In the post‑match press conference he admitted, “We’ve created chances, the post hit, a penalty claim fell short. But we haven’t turned those moments into goals.” Taylor’s honesty about the lack of fluency could be a sign that he’s willing to tweak tactics before the next fixture.
Stat sheet: what the numbers reveal
- Possession – United 62%, Liverpool 38% (second half dip to 29%).
- Shots on target – United 7, Liverpool 1 (out of 12 total attempts).
- Pass accuracy – United 84%, Liverpool 71%.
- Defensive errors leading to shots – Liverpool 4.
- Goalkeeper saves – Borggrafe 3, United’s Mary Earps 2.
The disparity in possession and shot quality tells why the visitors controlled the game. Liverpool’s eight attempts were largely speculative, and only one found the net – a desperate strike that clanged off the post.
What’s next for the Reds?
Looking forward, Liverpool travels to London City Lionesses on October 5, 2025, for a 11:55 AM BST kickoff. It’s an opportunity to chase a first point, but the defensive frailties that have plagued them at home will need swift correction. Some pundits suggest a shift to a more compact 5‑4‑1 setup could shore up the back line, while others argue that the team must trust its attacking talent – players like Cornelia Kapocs who earned a penalty appeal that was ultimately denied.
Meanwhile, United’s next challenge is against Arsenal Women, a clash that could test whether their unbeaten streak survives against a side with a solid defensive record. Their confidence, as expressed by Skinner, suggests they’ll approach the game with the same belief that powered the victory over Liverpool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this defeat affect Liverpool’s chances of avoiding relegation?
With zero points after three matches and a goal‑difference of –12, Liverpool finds itself in a deep hole. Recovering will require at least a point per game for the rest of the season, which is a steep climb. Their upcoming fixtures against lower‑ranked teams could provide a lifeline, but the defensive issues highlighted in the United game must be addressed quickly.
What tactical changes could Gareth Taylor make to tighten the defence?
Analysts suggest shifting to a five‑defender formation, pulling the full‑backs inside to form a back three. This would reduce the spaces United exploited on the flanks. Adding a defensive midfielder to shield the back line could also help, allowing the forwards more freedom without sacrificing stability.
Why has Manchester United been so prolific this season?
United’s attack features six different scorers, a sign of both depth and versatility. Coach Marc Skinner emphasizes team cohesion, and the squad has responded with fluid movement and quick transitions. Their possession dominance (over 60% in most games) also means they create more chances while limiting opponent threats.
Who were the standout performers for United in this match?
Hinata Miyazawa’s early goal set the tone, while Ella Toone’s clinical finish capped the half‑hour pressure. Jess Park’s left‑wing delivery was pinpoint, and goalkeeper Mary Earps kept a clean sheet with decisive saves. Together they demonstrated why United tops the league’s scoring charts.
When does Liverpool next play, and where?
Liverpool’s next league match is on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at London City Lionesses’s stadium, with kickoff at 11:55 AM BST. The trip offers a chance to break the winless streak.
United's 2‑0 triumph over Liverpool demonstrates the depth and cohesion currently present in the Red Devils' squad. The early strike by Hinata Miyazawa set the tone, and Ella Toone's composure ensured the result was sealed before halftime. Such performances reinforce the belief that the team can sustain its unbeaten run throughout the season. For supporters of Liverpool, this setback can serve as a catalyst for introspection and renewed determination. By addressing defensive lapses and harnessing the attacking talent on the roster, the Reds have the capacity to reverse their fortunes promptly. The league remains competitive, and every point gained will be pivotal in the quest for survival.
While the statistics undeniably favour United, Liverpool's lack of organization cannot be overlooked. The defensive errors leading to four shots on target illustrate a systemic issue that the coaching staff must confront. It's evident that the current formation is leaving too much space for opponents to exploit. A more disciplined approach could mitigate the flood of goals conceded and perhaps halt the slide down the table.
The team looks clueless.
Looks like Liverpool could benefit from tightening the back three and adding a holding midfielder to shield the defense. Switching full‑backs to more conservative duties in the first half could also reduce the exposure on the flanks. Additionally, focusing on set‑piece routines in training might turn a few of those conceded chances into scoring opportunities. Small tactical tweaks often yield noticeable improvements, especially when the squad possesses the technical quality already present.
Wow!!! United wins again???!! But - why-does-anyone-care??? The match was *almost* boring, yet… the fans were screaming??? Actually, I think the whole league is overrated…??