There might be a men’s World Cup currently being held in Qatar, but it’s almost certain that tournament won't equal the legacy of the women's European Championship, which was brilliantly hosted by England, in the memorable summer that has just gone.
The temperatures were freezing in Manchester on Sunday, with most choosing to stay at home instead of strolling around town for the Christmas markets, but the allure of the Manchester derby was enough for an Etihad record of 44,259 fans to brave the cold.
The Women’s Super League attendance record was smashed in September after 47,367 watched the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, but football is knitted in the fabric of Manchester and that attendance was almost matched as Manchester City welcomed Manchester United to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, in a hard-fought battle between Blue and Red.
Ellie Roebuck, Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Demi Stokes represented City at Euro 2022 whilst Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo represented United and only one player from that list, Stokes, didn't start in the derby.
It was Kelly that scored the matchwinning goal in extra-time against Germany at Wembley in July and the forward had the task of making an impact against United's defence, which had recorded the second-fewest goals in the WSL this season prior to the match, on Sunday afternoon and that was always bound to be a challenge that City's No.9 was going to relish.
This match was also a test of Marc Skinner's sides' WSL title credentials. Chelsea were the only side that had defeated United in the WSL this season heading into the match and the Reds had never defeated City in the league, meaning this was the acid test.
An excited Kelly bounced onto the pitch when the teams walked out and she was soon roaming down the right wing after kick-off, but United's Hannah Blundell expertly dealt with her early threat, which is something that most struggle with.
City started slowly but they began to control the game with possession, which asked questions of Millie Turner and Maya Le Tissier at centre-back. Russo was even doing her part to help out at the back and that highlights the mentality that Skinner has created.
United have made tremendous progress under Skinner and both sides started with 4-3-3 formations. They were evenly matched across the opening stages but it didn't take long for United to show why the power in Manchester might be shifting.
After some excellent work from Leah Galton on the left side, Toone picked the ball up and found her teammate again in the box. It was an opportunity that Galton wasn't going to squander, as she drove the ball into the bottom left corner and through Alex Greenwood's legs. Ellie Roebuck was helpless in between the sticks and it was the dream start for Skinner's side.
The 'woah, super Leah Galton' chants started in the away end and there was also a rendition of 'Tooney, Tooney, Tooney' aired for the provider of the goal, who looked the most likely to create something for United throughout the first half.
City's defending was poor for the goal and it was equally disappointing moments later when Greenwood and Laira Aleixandi allowed Toone space and time to dive the ball toward the North Stand, but fortunately for Roebuck in goal, the shot was weak.
Blundell was also doing more than just contributing in defence for United. The left-back pressed well and burst forward shortly after Toone wasted that opportunity, but Nikita Parris could not find the back of the net at her old stomping ground.
City tried to respond to that setback, but they lacked creativity and Bunny Shaw, who is the WSL's joint top goalscorer with eight goals, looked increasingly isolated, despite the attempts of Kelly and Lauren Hemp to create for the striker.
Hemp looked to start a swift counter-attack at the end of the first half but Le Tissier was there to thwart the danger with an outstanding challenge. City weren't finding much joy and words would have been had in the dressing room at the break.
Gareth Taylor was on the touchline for the majority of the first half whilst Skinner was sat down. That seemed to be a reflection of both managers' happiness with how the game was developing and City trudged down the tunnel at half-time.
The Blues finished ahead of United last season and the first half of the derby showed their superiority might be slipping. They were always going to fight, though, and that began immediately after the interval and the players were encouraged by the strong home support. The crowds at Euro 2022 were inspiring and it was wonderful to see the Etihad almost at full capacity for the derby.
Although the drum was banged in the home end and 'Come on City' was heard, United did their best to quiet the crowd again. They started the second half with the same impressive intent and tactical cohesion, which was restricting the hosts.
City's captain, Greenwood, almost scored an own goal in the 51st minute after dealing with a troubling ball into the box. That was clearly the warning City needed, as Laura Coombs scored the equaliser just five minutes after that fright.
Kelly, who was dangerous all afternoon, danced around Blundell and crossed into the box where Coombs was waiting. Her header smashed into the back of the net and the Etihad reputed, with Taylor finally raising a smile on the touchline.
Coombs has now been directly involved in five goals (four goals, two assists) in eight league games this season, which means she's already exceeded her most goal involvements across a full WSL campaign and that is a testament to her form.
The game came alive after Coombs' equaliser and there were chances for Kelly, Shaw and Russo at opposite ends. Both sides searched for the winner and Shaw came again close in the 78th minute, while Martha Thomson, who replaced Parris, also tried her luck.
Thomson's close-range header was saved and there was a tangible feeling of anticipation that the script had yet to be written. The game was frantic in the closing stages, with end-to-end action, but neither side could produce a game-winning moment.
The points were shared in a 1-1 draw and the result showed it won't be easy for City to fight for the title this season. Chelsea have set the pace again and Skinner's side might just be the best of the chasing pack after proving they're here to stay.
Sunday's Manchester derby was a tremendous advert for the WSL and that was no surprise. Manchester lives and breathes for football.
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