The Etihad Player of the Month award for February has been claimed by none other than Mary Fowler, in what was a remarkable achievement for the Australian international. Fowler’s victory was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the exceptional level of fan engagement this season, as the February edition saw a record-breaking number of votes cast for the prestigious accolade. Over 27,800 fans took part in voting, with the 22-year-old forward collecting an impressive 13,100 votes. This is the largest vote share received so far this season and marks a significant milestone in both Fowler’s career and the growing recognition of her importance to Manchester City.
Fowler, who has been with City for several seasons now, has come into her own this campaign, and February served as a breakout month in what could be considered one of the most defining periods of her young career. Having triumphed over the talented Rebecca Knaak and Aoba Fujino, who both had excellent months themselves, Fowler’s scintillating form in all competitions throughout February caught the attention of City fans worldwide. Her exceptional contributions on the pitch, particularly her ability to both score goals and assist teammates, ensured that she would take home her first-ever Etihad Player of the Month award.
This recognition not only reflects her growing stature in the world of women’s football but also symbolizes her increasing importance to Manchester City’s quest for success on both the domestic and international fronts. Fowler’s performances over the 28 days of February left fans in awe and reminded everyone why she is regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football. The feats she achieved throughout the month also earned her a nomination for the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) Player of the Month, further solidifying her place as one of the standout players of the league.
Fowler’s contributions during February were extraordinary. Over the course of four matches, she registered four goals and two assists, playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s campaign across multiple competitions. In a month that demanded consistency and high-level performances, Fowler was a central figure for Gareth Taylor’s side. She played in all four of the club’s matches during February, and her influence was felt in every one of them. Her exceptional form meant that she had a hand in nearly every major attacking move for City, showcasing her ability to be both a creator and a finisher.
What stands out the most about Fowler’s February is her record-breaking achievement in the Barclays Women’s Super League. The Australian international became the first player in WSL history to register two goal involvements in four consecutive top-flight matches. This statistic alone speaks volumes about her consistency and her invaluable contribution to her team’s success. She played a pivotal role in securing key results for City in what was a hectic month of fixtures, cementing her status as one of the most exciting and prolific young talents in women’s football.
Fowler’s extraordinary individual performances were not limited to one specific match or competition. Rather, her consistency across all four fixtures in February revealed the depth of her talent. Whether she was scoring goals, making assists, or simply being a constant threat in the attacking third, Fowler was an ever-present danger for opposition defenses. Her technical abilities, combined with her sharp tactical awareness and understanding of the game, allowed her to shine brightly in each of these contests.
One of the standout moments of Fowler’s month came in City’s highly anticipated match against Arsenal in the WSL. Despite City losing the match 3-2, Fowler’s individual performance was a rare bright spot in what was an otherwise difficult game. Fowler scored a brace in the defeat, showcasing her clinical finishing ability and her knack for rising to the occasion in difficult circumstances. The two goals she scored were evidence of her sharp instincts and poise in front of goal, and they made her one of the best performers in a match that ultimately saw City fall short.
However, it wasn’t just her goals that stood out during February. Fowler’s all-around contributions were central to City’s success, and it is her versatility that makes her such a valuable asset to her team. Her ability to seamlessly switch between different attacking roles allowed her to impact multiple areas of the pitch, and her work rate off the ball ensured that she was constantly involved in build-up play. Whether she was linking up with her teammates or carving out space for herself to shoot, Fowler’s intelligence and technical skill were apparent throughout the month.
Another pivotal moment in Fowler’s month came in the League Cup semi-final against Arsenal, where she truly made her mark. In a game that was filled with drama and high emotion, Fowler was once again the protagonist. Her contribution to City’s victory was not just in terms of the goals she scored but also in her ability to perform under pressure. Fowler broke the deadlock with a stunning strike in the 75th minute, giving City a 1-0 lead, before sealing the victory with a dramatic stoppage-time goal to secure a 2-1 win.
The manner in which Fowler took her goals in this semi-final clash was a reflection of her composure and quality as a footballer. The first goal came from the edge of the box, where Fowler quickly shifted the ball onto her left foot and struck a powerful shot that flew into the bottom corner. This was a moment of individual brilliance, showcasing her ability to finish with accuracy and power. Then, in the dying seconds of the match, Fowler scored a memorable winner, collecting the ball on the edge of the box, dancing around the defender, and firing a shot into the bottom corner to send City through to the final.
These two moments encapsulated Fowler’s character and mentality: calm under pressure, clinical in the final third, and determined to deliver for her team when it mattered most. The goals were not only significant for the outcome of the match but also highlighted Fowler’s growing reputation as a match-winner who could be relied upon to deliver in high-stakes situations.
Fowler’s brilliance did not end with her goals in the League Cup. She continued to excel in City’s subsequent matches, contributing further to her team’s success in both the FA Cup and the WSL. In a dominant 3-1 win over Leicester, Fowler once again demonstrated her attacking prowess, playing an important role in City’s comfortable progression in the FA Cup. Her technical skills were key to unlocking Leicester’s defense, and her work in the build-up to City’s goals proved pivotal.
One of the most significant moments of Fowler’s February came in City’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the WSL, where she delivered two assists. Her creativity and vision were on full display as she linked up beautifully with striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. In the first instance, Fowler slid the ball perfectly into Shaw’s path, allowing the Jamaican forward to drill home a powerful shot and give City the lead. Then, just moments later, Fowler’s clever dinked pass into the box found Shaw again, and Shaw finished with ease to double City’s advantage.
Fowler’s ability to create chances for her teammates is one of the reasons she is so highly regarded by her managers and teammates. She is not only a goal-scorer but also a selfless player who looks to bring others into the game. Her vision, technique, and intelligence make her an invaluable asset to Manchester City, and her combination with Shaw has been one of the standout partnerships in the WSL this season.
Mary Fowler’s victory in February’s Etihad Player of the Month award marks another key moment in what promises to be a bright future for the young Australian forward. At just 22 years of age, Fowler has already established herself as one of the best talents in women’s football, and her performances in February have only enhanced her reputation. As one of the most promising young players in the game, she has the potential to become a key figure for both Manchester City and the Australian national team in the years to come.
Her versatility, technical ability, and tactical awareness set her apart from many of her peers, and it’s clear that she is a player who can make a significant impact at both the club and international levels. Fowler’s rise to prominence has been swift, and her potential is limitless. With each passing month, she seems to improve, refining her game and becoming even more of a match-winner. Her success in February is just the latest chapter in what will surely be an extraordinary career.
In conclusion, Mary Fowler’s achievement of winning the Etihad Player of the Month award for February is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding performances during an exceptional month. Her four goals and two assists in all competitions showcased her exceptional talent and ability, while her match-winning performances in key fixtures further underlined her importance to Manchester City. As one of the brightest young stars in women’s football, Fowler’s future is incredibly promising, and her victory in the Etihad Player of the Month award is just the beginning of what will likely be a long and successful career.
Congratulations to Mary Fowler on winning her first Etihad Player of the Month award, and thank you to the thousands of fans who voted in recognition of her incredible efforts. The future looks incredibly bright for this rising star, and Manchester City supporters will be eagerly anticipating her continued growth and success in the seasons to come.
