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Weir’s effort – her first of the season – sparked delirium for all in sky blue, including on the touchline where Taylor and Assistant Coach Alan Mahon jumped for joy.
While the City boss admitted he would have been satisfied with a point, he hailed his side’s never-say-die attitude, adding the joyful celebrations expressed just how much the triumph meant.
“It was a great win!” he declared. “It was really important for us. With a point, I would have said: we’re still in amongst it but this is a big win against title rivals and we’re really pleased.
“I thought we dominated the game, apart from the opening give minutes. It was similar to Goteborg in that we showed the strength of our character to fight back.
“I’m delighted with the girls and they way they kept going. It took us until the last few seconds to get what I thought we really deserved – for Caroline to produce a moment of magic.
“I would prefer we didn’t go behind early on! I thought we looked lethargic for the first five minutes, sitting off, and we were unsuccessful in some duels.
“You can’t do that against Arsenal. It was a good finish by Miedema but then we upped the tempo and then we were in control of the game.
“The team show their character all the time – we want to improve and get better. We don’t want to be mediocre.
“We want to push the boundaries. We never give in and fight to the end. It only takes a second to score a goal, as Caroline showed.
“There were 30 seconds left and Caroline thought she’d keep us waiting!
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“There were some real good celebrations on the pitch and for us on the bench as well.
“Hitting the target is key. If you do that, you give yourself half a chance.
“We’re fully aware where we need to improve. We’ve had a few 2-1s this season, which should have been won by four or five.
“We need to improve our final action but at the end of the day, at this time of the season – before Christmas – this is a really big three points for us.
“It’s nice we’ve started December with three wins. Now, we have two important games to finish off with before Christmas.
“We’re delighted with the three points but we’re still a work in progress and that work doesn’t stop.”
The triumph bore further good news, as Lauren Hemp made her first start of the season.
The youngster completed just over an hour of action, as she continues her recovery from injury – and Taylor was pleased to see her making an impact once again.
The City boss also reserved praise for Mewis, who once again rose highest to find the leveller to cap another fine display.
“It was great to have Lauren back,” he reflected. “It’s like receiving a new player!
“I haven’t had a lot of time to work with her but she’s a great asset for the Club.
“She was great. When you’ve been out for so long, you can’t be sure of the contribution but she was a constant threat, keeping that Arsenal back four on the back foot.
“Sam has been key for us. She contributes a lot on and off the pitch.
“She’s a big figure on the pitch – she drives the team and gets goals.
“It was an important goal at a good time for us. It gave us some confidence and set us up for the second half.”
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