Khadija Shaw’s heroic hat-trick with Manchester City is ‘like watching a video game’

Shaw’s quick hat-trick broke the previous record set by former Arsenal striker Kelly Smith in 2014 when she scored three goals in 16 minutes against Bristol Academy.

Remarkably, this was Shaw’s fourth successive hat-trick against Tottenham in the WSL at the Joy Stadium.

It took her tally to 18 goals in 18 Premier League games this season and 16 goal contributions (15 goals and one assist) against Tottenham during her five-year spell in England.

Her exploits are likely to earn her a third consecutive WSL Golden Boot at the end of the season and she will certainly be in contention for the Women’s Player of the Year award.

“It’s been a good afternoon, I have to say, especially in the back of the car [0-0 draw with Aston Villa] “Last week. I have great players around me and I’m just trying to do my best at the top of the pitch,” Shaw said.

While her goalscoring grabs the headlines, it’s Shaw’s work rate off the ball that really catches Kofi’s attention.

“I feel like what you see is what you get. She’s so electric, she’s so good and she’s so dominant,” Kofi added.

“I liked her defensive effort [against Tottenham]. When she presses, I think she is one of the best players to press the number nine in the world.

“She was a pleasure to play with. Obviously I’ve respected her for years but to know her now and be her teammate is a privilege.”

For any opponent, facing Shaw is one of the biggest challenges in football.

Tottenham coach Martin Ho admitted that his team could not do much to stop it, other than trying to prevent the ball from reaching it.

Does it incite fear among opposing players?

“I wouldn’t say it’s fear, but it’s definitely doubt,” Ho said. “She is the best striker in the world by a mile.

“She scores with her feet and head, has good connection and movement.

“There were times in the first half where we could go close or stop crosses and when you don’t do that, you get punished.”