Manchester City had to come from behind in order to get the better of a tough Everton side at The Academy Stadium on Wednesday night.
The hosts ultimately ran out 3-1 victors thanks to second half goals from Rose Lavelle, Chloe Kelly, and Jess Park.
When speaking to FA Women’s Super League Full-Time after the match, Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor reiterated his desire to do well in the competition this season.
He said “Coming from a goal behind, the spirit that the girls showed, the changes that we made where they didn’t disturb the cohesion and the fluidity of our play, I was really pleased with tonight.
“It’s a competition we want to be successful in, we’ve been successful in it previously and we’ve made a good start tonight.
“I was actually delighted with our play with and without the ball up until Everton’s goal.
“I think that was the first attempt they had on goal and it probably rocked us a little bit for five or 10 minutes.”
There was a big shift after the interval has City found the net on three occasions and Taylor went on to discuss what was said in the dressing room at half-time.
“At half-time, I spoke about the positives and where we were getting success, which was down the sides and in our build up play” he added. “It was just a case of reinforcing that, highlighting a few areas where we could potentially improve and tweak.”
Taylor made several changes to his squad, bringing in six players who didn’t feature last the weekend. They were still able to step up and get the job done which certainly pleased their head coach.
“Obviously, I’m really pleased with the result tonight but I was really pleased with the performance as well” said the City boss. “We made quite a few changes but I think it’s testament to the group of players that we have here and the understanding that they have.
“We’re starting to get it, we’re starting to understand, we’re starting to find a way and I was impressed with a lot of things.”
Young forward Jess Park was given her first start of the season by Taylor and was City’s best player on the night. The teenager’s display delighted her coach and has given him plenty of food for thought.
Taylor commented on her performance by saying “I thought she made it really difficult for me to take her off because she was such a threat, which is testament to her.
“She kept their defence on the back foot all the time and scored a brilliant goal at the end as well.
“She’s young, she’s still developing, she’s learning a hell of a lot in training with these players on a daily basis.”
Another player who made her first start of season was summer signing Rose Lavelle. Taylor had previously said that he wanted to ease the United States international into the side but scoring her first goal on her first start in a sky blue shirt may mean that she is now pushing for a more regular spot.
“Rose is really down to Earth so she won’t be getting to carried away with the goal” Taylor stated. “She did well, it’s not easy when you’re coming into a decent level, first 90 minutes.
“That would’ve been her first 90 minutes for a long time and in a demanding game.”
Veteran goalkeeper Karen Bardsley’s name on the teamsheet was much-welcomed with the player returning from several months on the sidelines through injury and Taylor also gave his thoughts on her return.
“She would’ve been nervous tonight I’m pretty certain and I think that’s natural” he added. “She’s got such a good name in the game Karen, she deserved that moment tonight.
“I think it’s great, everyone was so pleased for her. She did some really good things in the game and that’s not easy having been out for several months.”
Many saw Wednesday’s clash between City and Everton as a dress rehearsal for the Vitality Women’s FA Cup final taking place next month so what did Taylor learn from the contest that he’ll be able to apply at Wembley?
“I think there’s things to be learnt for sure” said Taylor. “One thing I think it will be is a tight game at Wembley.
“I’m pretty certain of that because it’s a big occasion, two decent teams.”
Next up for City is a crucial fixture away at Barclays FA Women’s Super League champions Chelsea which could prove decisive in the title race even this early on in the season.
About The Author
