From goalkeeping heroics to drama at both ends of the table in Germany, these are the key talking points from the Women’s Super League (WSL), along with some highlights from Europe.
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Keating’s stock on the rise as City stay top
There is certainly a precedent at Manchester City for trusting in young players. England regulars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway once flourished in the senior team despite their lack of experience, while Ellie Roebuck‘s stunning debut as an 18-year-old in February 2018, when she came on in the second minute for the injured Karen Bardsley against Chelsea, showed that trust extends to goalkeepers too.
So there should be little surprise that 19-year-old Khiara Keating has been given a chance between the sticks for City this season. And even less surprise that she has impressed in every game. Watching the teenager keep her third clean sheet in four matches, in a 1-0 win over against Leicester City decided by Chloe Kelly‘s 10th-minute goal, brought back memories of Roebuck standing tall against Chelsea five years ago.
In an even match (City had 51% possession and eight shots on target, to Leicester’s six), Keating trusted in her abilities and, time and again, found the claim, parry or block necessary to keep the opposition out — showing particular bravery in one frantic sequence. Much like Roebuck before her, there are still some rough edges that will naturally smooth as she grows into the role. But as City sit atop the WSL table heading into the international break, there is little reason for manager Gareth Taylor to bring in the more-experienced Roebuck or Sandy MacIver in rotation. Keating’s stock is certainly on the rise.
