Lauren Hemp and Khadija Bunny Shaw have each reached ten goal involvements within eight games this season, according to Laura Hunter's Sky Sports analysis. The columnist uses their partnership to examine Hemp's influence on Manchester City's attack.
The discussion follows Hemp's omission from the women's Ballon d'Or top 30. Hunter argues that the winger deserves greater recognition, grounding that opinion in her creative contribution and changing attacking positions.
A productive connection
Since the start of last season, Hemp has assisted six Shaw goals. Sky Sports credits the pair with 20 combined goals overall.
This season, Hemp has found Shaw with 12 crosses, and the teammates have linked for 14 chances. Hunter presents that supply as an important part of the Jamaica striker's effectiveness.
Their shared ten-involvement milestone within eight games is the first by a pair of teammates since Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby in 2021-22, the analysis states.
More touches inside the box
Hemp's final-third touches remain at 34 per 90 minutes, matching last season. Her penalty-area touches have risen from seven to ten per game. Hunter connects that shift with more frequent opportunities for Hemp to finish attacks herself.
The figures used by Sky Sports also put City first in the league for build-up attacks, with 35, and direct attacks, with 16. Hemp's movement and running power feature in the author's explanation.
The next milestone identified is a potential weekend appearance that would draw the 26-year-old level with Steph Houghton for City's most league appearances, extending her contribution alongside the current scoring partnership.