Manchester City defender makes title admission after incredible injury return

Alanna Kennedy hopes this season could be Manchester City's "time" to win the Women's Super League (WSL) title.

The Australia international joined the Blues in 2021 and, despite injuries having limited her minutes during her time in Manchester, she has now cemented herself as a mainstay at the heart of the City defence, forming a rock solid partnership with vice-captain Alex Greenwood. Gareth Taylor's side have conceded the fewest goals in the WSL this season - 12 in 19 games - and are currently three points clear at the top of the table.

While second-place Chelsea do have a game in hand, Kennedy believes her team have what it takes to win a first league title since 2016 this term. “Our mentality has been a lot stronger this season, surrounding those cheap goals and missed opportunities," she told the MEN and other media this week.

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"We just so badly want to have something to show for the performances we’ve put in over the past few years. Hopefully, this season is our time. We obviously understand the situation that we’re in but it’s so important that we don’t look past each game and we make sure we keep our standards high.

"Obviously the goal difference is what it might come down to in the end so it’s making sure we put in the shift for the full 90 and get the most out of every game. It’s been a really positive environment to be part of and hopefully that continues.”

After missing out on Champions League qualification last term, City have responded emphatically and are currently on a 13-game winning run in the WSL: a new league record. And Kennedy credits the togetherness in the team with helping take the Blues to a new level.

“The continuity of players has been really important," she said. "We’ve had that shared experience in the past (of losing) and that’s something you don’t want to feel again."

The centre-back added: "The environment we’ve created here is a pleasure to be a part of. I love the group and even during my time off through injury I still felt valued."

For Kennedy, who has suffered an array of injuries in recent seasons - from a broken nose to a fractured shoulder - the opportunity to be back out on the pitch is one she is relishing. "I think as a player you always want to be on the pitch," she added.

"I think we’ve done a really good job of making sure everyone feels just as important, whether you are on the pitch or you aren’t but of course as a player you want to be contributing by playing football. For me, it was a frustrating period with the injury but I’m happy to be back in the squad and able to contribute on the pitch."