Khadija Shaw: Manchester City’s future bright with striker key

Shaw said after the victory at Wembley that she had been “a bit nervous” about announcing her new deal.

Fans had been through an emotional rollercoaster about her leaving, with Chelsea poised to take advantage.

But after a long season, in which Shaw scooped up several individual accolades including the WSL Player of the Year and Golden Boot, she relished getting her hands on another piece of silverware.

“To get the double is a good feeling,” Shaw said. “I’ve always said that Manchester is my home. It took a while, but we finally got [the contract agreement] done.”

At Wembley, her opener was crucial, coming after Brighton had dominated the first 30 minutes and with City struggling to get a foothold.

One moment – a cross into Shaw in the 38th minute – changed the game as the Jamaica striker rose highest to loop a header past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

That killed Brighton’s momentum and captain Alex Greenwood’s strike just before half-time gave City a commanding lead.

Jeglertz agreed Shaw’s goal gave his side “relief” and her assist for Fujino in the second half put City out of sight. A final goal from substitute Vivianne Miedema confirmed victory.

Despite the noise over the past month, Shaw has remained their standout performer. She was important in the final, was the matchwinner in the semi-finals and finished the WSL season with a double on final day to reach 21 goals in 22 matches.

“I’m very impressed with how she handled that [speculation],” said Jeglertz. “She has never showed any mood that has affected her performance.

“Of course, she knows about the writings. But at the same time, she has been so professional, always performed and always been a good person.”