Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor hailed the efforts of the whole squad after The Cityzens opened the new season with a 4-0 win at Everton this afternoon.
Vicky Losada, Janine Beckie and Khadija Shaw all got their names on the scoresheet in the first half as Everton struggled to get any shape at the back while Steph Houghton curled in a stunning free-kick in the second half to cap-off a fine victory.
Speaking in the post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, Manchester City head coach Taylor hailed the efforts of his entire squad.
“Everyone played their part today, from front to back;” Taylor said. “When you look at Bunny (Shaw), Hayley Raso and Janine (Beckie) they got in on a number of occasions, it was great for Bunny to get her goal – I thought it was a brilliant goal, that pass from Janine, the movement from Caroline (Weir). I thought that the first goal was great as well, real class from Vicky (Losada) to finish after good work from Hayley. Steph (Houghton) shows her quality with that finish as well so I’m really pleased.
“It was a really efficient and professional performance. I thought that we dealt with the pressure from Everton at different spells, managed the first part of the game really well. We potentially didn’t make the most of our early dominance but when you play a tough side like Everton, a team that puts you under pressure, I thought that the girls were excellent, especially when you consider where we are and with our lack of pre-season preparation.”
Manchester City went into the match with a lengthy injury list which included goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck, defender Lucy Bronze, midfielder Keira Walsh and attacker Chloe Kelly while Ellen White was only fit enough to start on the bench. Taylor commented that the team showed great resolve when they were really challenged by their reduced squad numbers.
He added “I’ve just done an interview outside and I managed to look up and see a couple of girls who are injured….Keira, Ellie, Chloe Kelly, Lucy Bronze. It was crazy seeing that amount of players cheerleading for us.
“This group of players have real resolve and resilience. We had this a lot last year where we had episodes or a spate of injuries or COVID issues and once those players come back, we will lose others because that’s football. It’s just about people picking up the baton, doing their bit and making sure that they are there for the team.
“That was a real solid team performance today.”
Manchester City return to action on Wednesday evening when Real Madrid are the visitors to The Academy Stadium for a UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 2 second leg tie.
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