GEORGIA Stanway has her sights set on reaching double-figures for the season so far after firing Manchester City to a 2-0 victory over previously-unbeaten Arsenal in the FA Women's Super League.

The Barrow teenager netted her eighth and ninth WSL goals of the season either side of half time, continuing the impressive scoring form which saw her earn her first England senior cap last month.

Lionesses boss Phil Neville, who was among the over 2,000-strong crowd at Manchester Regional Arena yesterday, will no doubt have been delighted to see Stanway continue where she left off after scoring on her bow for the national team.

And the former Dowdales School pupil has her next aim firmly within her grasp.

"Ten before Christmas – that's the plan," Stanway told Manchester City Women's official website in the wake of the victory over Arsenal.

"There's no better feeling than scoring, especially against the team that's top of the league, but credit to the girls, I couldn’t do it without them.

"Someone’s got to pass you that ball and someone has got to defend their shots as well."


Stanway's first goal against Arsenal came in the 19th minute after City full-back Demi Stokes had swung in a cross from the left and although the ball bobbled, the 19-year-old was able to slot home the opener from around 12 yards out.

Her second, on 64 minutes, was a superb solo effort as Stanway picked up a long ball forward midway inside the Arsenal half, cut in from the right and picked her spot perfectly to beat Gunners goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin with a low, left-footed strike.

The win drew City to within three points of leaders Arsenal in the WSL standings and Stanway believes the team are making up for some early-season disappointment.


"The game shows that it's pretty tight and that the league is getting more competitive," said Stanway. "I think our win shows that we are still here to compete and we have still got so much more to give.

"We worked hard, we were relentless, kept a clean sheet and didn’t let them affect us. It’s just a massive performance from the girls.

"So far (the season) has been bumpy and it was upsetting to get knocked out of UEFA Champions League so early, but that now allows us to turn our focus on the other competitions.

"We have started on the right foot and we've shown that by getting the three points."

City play again on Wednesday evening when they host Sheffield United in the Continental Cup.