VIDEO: Lionesses star Lauren Hemps fires Man City ahead against Arsenal and leads celebrations with Steph Houghton

Manchester City and England star Lauren Hemp paid tribute to Steph Houghton after scoring a crucial opening goal against Arsenal.

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• Hemp scores to put City 1-0 up
• Houghton is retiring at the end of the season
• City on course to lift WSL

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hemp scored past Manuela Zinsberger in the Arsenal net to put her side ahead in a crucial game in the WSL title race. In celebration, Hemp led her City team-mates over to their dugout to celebrate alongside long-serving captain Steph Houghton. It is Houghton's final home game for City before she retires at the end of the season and Hemp wanted her to share in the joy.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The goal could prove crucial in the race for the WSL title. Victory on Sunday means that City will go nine points clear of Chelsea and require just a point in their final game of the season at Aston Villa to lift the title for the first time since 2016. Houghton joined the club a decade ago and will be dreaming of ending her career on a high.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  City will be watching Chelsea's remaining games with particular interest. The Blues have to win all three of their remaining games and hope City lose at Villa to have a chance of retaining their title. For City, the task is simple – just avoid defeat.