Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered a resilient performance despite conceding twice as Brighton & Hove Albion stunned Manchester City 3-2 in the Women’s Super League on Saturday, delaying the visitors’ title celebrations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
- +Nnadozie delays City title win
City arrived knowing victory, combined with a favourable result elsewhere, could seal their first league title since 2016, but Brighton produced a spirited display to dent those ambitions.
City arrived knowing victory, combined with a favourable result elsewhere, could seal their first league title since 2016, but Brighton produced a spirited display to dent those ambitions.
The visitors made a fast start and took the lead in the fifth minute when Kerolin capitalised on a defensive lapse, curling a shot beyond Nnadozie into the top left corner.
Despite the early setback, the Nigerian goalkeeper remained composed and played a key role in keeping Brighton in the contest, making four saves, all from inside the penalty area, while also claiming crosses, punching clear under pressure and sweeping behind her defence.
City’s inability to extend their advantage proved costly as Madison Haley equalised against the run of play in first-half stoppage time, finishing from a Fran Kirby assist to bring Brighton level.
Brighton carried that momentum into the second half and went ahead shortly after the restart when Kiko Seike surged down the right and fired into the roof of the net.
Haley then completed her brace in the 65th minute, reacting quickest to head in a rebound after her initial effort, putting the hosts firmly in control.
City mounted late pressure and pulled one back through Khadija Shaw in the 86th minute, but Brighton held on to secure a notable victory.
Nnadozie’s performance, while not flawless after an error led to a shot during the match, was characterised by strong defensive contributions, including three clearances, 15 recoveries and a last-man intervention.
She also completed 26 of her 42 passes and recorded 58 touches, which shows her involvement in build-up play.
Her outing against the he soon-to-be-champions also reinforced her status as one of the league’s standout goalkeepers this season.
She currently leads the division in save percentage with 75.0 per cent, ahead of Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton and Everton’s Courtney Brosnan, while also topping the goals prevented chart with 3.6.
The Brighton shot-stopper has registered six clean sheets, second only to Hampton’s seven, and leads the league in saves from inside the box with 40.
Her 57 total saves place her just behind Janina Leitzig, while her 19 successful runs out is the highest in the competition.
City remain top of the table with 49 points from 20 matches despite the defeat, while Chelsea and Arsenal continue to chase with games in hand.
Nnadozie will aim to maintain that form as Brighton continue their campaign, with three matches remaining, starting with a trip to Leigh Sports Village to face Manchester United next Saturday.
