Why Man City would be foolish to let Shaw leave

Khadija Shaw was named the FWA Player of the Season on Friday

Khadija Shaw needed just 12 minutes to prove why Manchester City must not let her leave in the summer.

Her two goals against Chelsea - a stoppage-time equaliser in normal time before a 103rd-minute winner - secured City's place in the Women's FA Cup final.

City were 2-0 down in the 86th minute at Stamford Bridge and Shaw had missed earlier chances but when her side needed her to step up, she did.

The Jamaica international has been at the centre of speculation this week regarding her future after contract renewal negotiations at City broke down.

As it stands, she is set to leave this summer unless they can reach an unlikely agreement - and Sunday's opponents Chelsea are circling for her signature.

It was fitting, therefore, that Shaw stole the show here and offered the perfect showcase of her world-class talents.

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Hours after City were crowned WSL champions, ending a six-year dominance by Chelsea, news broke of Shaw's imminent exit and a breakdown in negotiations.

All eyes were on her as she ran out at Stamford Bridge to warm up next to City's supporters and she applauded them enthusiastically.

It did not go to plan initially on the pitch as Chelsea's dominant start gave them a deserved lead and chances came Shaw's way, which she squandered.

Just before half-time, fear struck over a potential injury as she received treatment for several minutes after a heavy knock.

As she trudged over to the touchline, Chelsea supporters chanted: "Bunny Shaw, we'll see you next season."

But those same supporters were silenced when Shaw's strike flew past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton in the 92nd minute, moments after team-mate Mary Fowler had made it 2-1, and she ran to the corner, knee-sliding and roaring in celebration.

City fans showed their adoration in abundance and Shaw's team-mates urged her to lap up the attention at the end of extra time after her header ensured a 3-2 victory.

It was the perfect snapshot of what Shaw is capable of - even when not at her best, she still scored twice and stepped up in the biggest moments.

"That is what we need a forward to do, to create chances, maybe miss one but move on and continue," said manager Andree Jeglertz.

"Bunny has scored so many goals for this club in so many years and this season also. She has shown she is a great player but also a great team-mate."

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While City fans were clearly delighted with the victory - and Shaw's significant part in it - it would have been tinged with anxiety over her future.

Her performance was a showcase of what Chelsea could get if they manage to win the battle to sign her - and of what City stand to lose if they allow her to leave.

She is set to secure a third successive WSL Golden Boot after scoring 19 goals in 21 appearances and she will be City's top scorer for a fourth year in a row.

The 29-year-old is also just one goal away from becoming the first player in WSL history to score 20 or more goals in three different seasons.

On Friday, she was crowned the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year.