Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners last night in their Vitality Women’s FA Cup semi-final tie against Arsenal at The Academy Stadium.
It was the best performance of the season so far from City and the result fairly reflected their superiority.
Many people identified the midfield where City were able to take control of the game with Sam Mewis particularly impressive but Taylor has been quick emphasise the importance of positions all over the pitch.
In the post-match press conference, Taylor said “I think in most games you have to function in all areas of the pitch.
“The midfield area was always going to be a vital one. We stepped it up, in the first half especially.”
It wasn’t all positives for the City manager, especially the manner in which they conceded the equaliser, although he quickly praised his side’s response.
Taylor went on to add “I was disappointed with their goal which was a bit of a freak moment because I never felt we were in any danger of conceding.
“The reaction of the girls after going 1-1 was amazing.”
The performance was City’s most complete of the season so far and Taylor wants it to reaffirm his players’ faith in the process.
“It just hopefully reinforces and gives confidence for the work that we’re doing” he continued. “Slowly but surely, we’re getting there.
“This is an exciting period because we had a slow introduction to the season with games spaced out, whereas now we have three games in six days on the back of having played a quarter-final against Leicester City on Sunday.”
It hasn’t been the immediate impact that many were expecting from The Cityzens, particularly considering the standard of reinforcements that were brought in over the summer but that did not concern the City head coach.
Taylor said “Naturally at times, it’s not going to necessarily click straight away but I was really pleased with our pre-season performances.
“Obviously in that period we didn’t have our full squad here, and even playing in the Community Shield we were struggling to fill a bench.”
City now turn their attentions to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League as they prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur at The Academy Stadium on Sunday.
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