Last year, Manchester City swept the board of domestic honours, only to have all three trophies ripped from their grasp this time around.
Big rivals Chelsea sealed the FA Women’s Super League 1 after a title race between the two sides lasting most of the season, while Emma Hayes’ Blues triumphed over Arsenal in the SSE Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
The Gunners had earlier sealed success over Nick Cushing’s City side in the final of the Continental Tyres Cup in March.
Ending 2018 without a trophy has spurred City into transfer action, and they have acted quickly in snaring Caroline Weir from Liverpool and Lauren Hemp from Bristol City ahead of the new season.
Former England and Arsenal star Rachel Yankey believes Cushing’s outfit is a wounded beast and they will be hell bent on getting their hands on silverware once more next season.
“They’re a big team and big teams need to make statements and win trophies,” said Yankey, who won 129 England caps, scoring 19 times.
“The men’s club, the women’s club, it’s all together at Manchester City – they need to be up there and winning things.
“They haven’t done that this year, but they’ve made their signings early and I’m sure they’ll make some more.
“Next season I’m sure they’ll want to prove a point.”
Yankey was at Wembley Stadium on Sunday for the Play on the Pitch experience day, which gives SSE Reward members a a once-in-a-lifetime chance to grace the hallowed turf at the home of football.
Yankey was coach of the England side who faced a Scotland team managed by Joelle Murray of Hibernian Ladies.
While Scotland ran out winners on the day, Yankey, no stranger to the Wembley turf herself, believes the occasion will have been one to cherish for the players and their families.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for these guys to come down to Wembley and play,” the 38-year-old added.
“So many great players have played on this pitch and to put their name to that and be part of that, to be able to play here and score goals and say they’ve done that is great.”
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