Miedema stars as Man City thrash Man Utd to close in on WSL title, Arsenal down Spurs

The win propelled league-leading City to 49 points following 19 out of 22 matches, while Arsenal, who triumphed 5-2 over Tottenham Hotspur in the evening fixture at The Emirates, climbed to second on 38 points, holding two games in hand compared to the frontrunners.

Arsenals success caused Manchester United, also on 38 points, to drop to third based on goal difference, with Chelsea, holders of the previous six crowns, sitting fourth at 37 points.

Amid shifting conditions from warm spring light to gloomy skies and heavy showers, City launched into a high-intensity start against United and maintained the pressure until securing the points comfortably.

Lauren Hemp struck the bar in the 16th minute, and Miedema opened the scoring shortly after from the resulting corner, nodding in a curving header that slipped past United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Just two minutes on, Miedema struck again during a swift City counter, as Kerstin Casparij delivered a pinpoint cross for the unchallenged Dutch forward to volley a firm header down into the goal.

Casparij added the third goal soon after the interval, arriving at the back post to finish after Hemps delivery skimmed over City forward Bunny Shaws head.

Marc Skinners United side appeared lethargic throughout, failing to register a shot on goal until deep into the second period. By then, it was irrelevant, as City eased to the win, edging closer to their first championship in a decade.

"I truly trust in my squad, believing that regardless of the opposition, if we maintain this level of assurance, plenty of sides will find it tough to compete," said Citys Swedish manager Andre Jeglertz.

"With three matches remaining, surprises could still occur, so we must stay consistent, yet I do not view the expectations as overwhelming since we address them openly. The team has managed it well."

During a slate of local rivalries in the WSL, Liverpool edged Everton 3-2 in the mornings encounter, and Arsenals English forward Alessia Russo claimed a treble inside the opening half-hour to lead her team past Spurs in front of 46123 spectators.