Manchester City Women 2-1 Arsenal Women: Nick Cushing ends reign as manager with win
- Published
Man City edge Arsenal in Cushing's last game
Nick Cushing ended his reign as Manchester City Women manager with a 2-1 win over WSL title rivals Arsenal.
Cushing, who is leaving to join MLS side New York City as an assistant after six years, saw Pauline Bremer give his side the lead just before half time from close range.
Lauren Hemp's looping header soon after the restart doubled City's advantage.
Danielle van de Donk pulled one back for Arsenal with half an hour left but Cushing's side held on.
City lead the Women's Super League by a point from Chelsea, but have played one more game than the Blues, while Arsenal are now three points behind the Mancunians.
Manchester City's players formed a guard of honour for Cushing after the game
"It's been an incredible six years, the best six years of my career," said Cushing during a post-match ceremony on the pitch.
"2014 was a special year. Our first year. It built the foundation. Winning a trophy. It was the catalyst for the addiction of winning that we have here at Manchester City.
"Any time wouldn't have been the right time to leave, but it's on to the next chapter.
"I'm a fan, I'll be watching all the games and I'll come to all of them when I'm back here in England."
Manchester City and England captain Steph Houghton paid tribute to Cushing's influence on the side, which has won one league title, two Women's FA Cups and three Women's League Cups under his leadership:
"It's been an emotional few days. You've turned us into a team who everyone else wants to copy.
"You've brought through some brilliant young players, and made us older players better. We're going to win this league for you," she said.
