Manchester City broke into the top three for the first time this season with a mature display against a toothless Arsenal. Gareth Taylor was “very impressed” after goals from Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly capped a first half displayed that fizzed with energy and purpose. Rafaelle Souza pulled one back for the visitors, but it was a worrying display as City leapfrogged them in the table.
“I have to say I was blown away with the girls in the second half the way they attacked the game…I thought physically, we just stepped up so many levels, and arguably could have scored more goals against a really dangerous team in Chelsea.”
Gareth Taylor was delighted with his Manchester City side as they lifted their fourth Continental Cup trophy, the second piece of silverware under his stewardship. His satisfaction was warranted after a second half performance which saw City dispatch of Chelsea in a way rarely seen these days.
“I just love those games [against Manchester City]. Every manager enjoys certain types of games…There’s zero to separate [us] year on year. I really respect them as a football club and what they’ve done for women’s football.”
On the eve of the 2022 Continental Cup Final, Emma Hayes was relishing the latest meeting between her Chelsea side and their close rivals, Manchester City. Despite all their battles over the last few years, this will in fact be the first time these two sides have met in a major final, with their semi-final meetings infamous at this stage.