Manchester City maintained their 100% start to their Women's Super League title defence but needed a late own goal by Grace Fisk to help see off Liverpool 4-2 at Joie Stadium.

Fisk beat her own goalkeeper in the 90th minute when attempting to deal with Grace Clinton's cross that was intended for Khadija Shaw, putting the champions ahead of the first time since the 14th minute.

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It was cruel blow given Fisk's fine performance and deep into injury time Lauren Hemp added her second to make it three wins from as many outings for City, who gave a first start to Beth Mead following her summer arrival from Arsenal.

Hemp was a handful right from the start as she made the most of the space Liverpool were giving her and in the 14th minute she drifted infield to take a pass from Carlotta Wamser before beating keeper Khiara Keating.

Liverpool hit back against the run of play, capitalising on hesitation in the home defence for Alice Bergström to score after being teed up by Vivien Endemann.

Endemann then turned finisher as she stabbed home from close range after Cornelia Kapocs had caused problems amid more sloppy play at the back from City, propelling Liverpool into a 29th-minute lead.

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It lasted until first-half added time when Shaw was alert to pounce on an error by Keating, who failed to deal with Hemp's shot sufficiently.

There was more drama to come in the second half but not until the closing stages when City's pressure finally paid off, with Fisk nudging them in front before Hemp hit Liverpool on the counter with seconds remaining.