Man City 3-2 Everton: Khadija Shaw scores twice as City beat Everton

Khadija Shaw's two goals sandwiched a Lauren Hemp stunner as Manchester City clinched a final-day WSL win over Everton.

Victory saw City end the campaign level on points with Arsenal in fourth, while the Toffees, who were flattered by the scoreline, finished sixth.

There was a relaxed atmosphere at the Academy Stadium, with a tinge of emotion as Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen played her final match against her former club before retirement.

Everton's commitment to playing out from the back caused early problems as City put a high press into action. Hemp headed on to the top of the bar before Chloe Kelly, who was a threat down the right, curled over.

Both sides had chances early in the second half. Hemp flashed a shot just wide before Nicoline Sorensen forced Khiara Keating into a smart save.

But City's front three clicked into gear when Kelly found Hemp, who laid off for Shaw to slide home.

Hemp put City firmly in control on the hour with a sumptuous drive off the bar from the right-hand side, and it wasn't long before Shaw rounded things off with an emphatic finish, taking her tally for the season to 20 goals.

The Toffees grabbed late consolations through Lucy Hope, who turned Sorensen's cross in from a tight angle, and substitute Leonie Maier's bundled effort in the final minute.

It was not that long ago that City were in the heat of the title race, and they showed why at times in the second half. They exploited Everton's slow build-up with a really effective press, which eventually unlocked their attacking players.

Kelly and Hemp were both impressive in wide areas, but it was Shaw's clinical edge that made the difference when the game was simmering.

She may have just fallen short in a hotly contested race for the golden boot with Aston Villa's Rachel Daly, but her performances this season will give hope that City can close the gap on Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal at the top next year.

After the game, manager Gareth Taylor told the crowd that Australia winger Hayley Raso will leave the club this summer.

While the scoreline might suggest a tight affair, the reality is Everton played right into City's hands with their approach from the start and never looked like winning.

The story of their day lies with Christiansen, who at the age of 31 is hanging up her boots. She received a guard of honour from both teams at kick-off and was greeted warmly when brought on as a substitute.

The midfielder will be missed by Everton, who may be building something under Brian Sorensen but will need to play with more purpose in the big games if they are to challenge further up the table next year.