The Wembley curtain-raiser to the new campaign saw Chelsea triumph 2-0 against a City side which was without a number of key summer additions.
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Since then, England duo Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood have significantly bolstered Taylor’s squad as have American World Cup winning duo Sam Mewis – who was a sub at Wembley in August – and Rose Lavelle.
City will also travel to Kingsmeadow on the back of a fine run of form and full of confidence following Wednesday’s 3-1 Continental Cup win over Everton, with Taylor’s side lying in joint second place in the table, just two points off the early leaders.
And Taylor believes what happened at Wembley will have little bearing on Sunday’s meeting with the champions – who pipped City to the title on a points-per-game calculation following the premature end to the campaign due to COVID-19.
“We’re only talking five weeks, but a lot of things have changed, and a lot of improvements have been made,” the City manager asserted.
“Basically, we’ve just had more time with the team. I’m a new coach implementing some different ideas and it takes time.
“The pleasing thing for me over the past few weeks is we’ve gone four straight wins on the bounce; and five out of six in all competitions.
“But, more important than the wins for me, is the way we are playing and the understanding that the girls are showing.
“At that point Sam was just getting up to speed in her game fitness. We were very light on the bench we lost Lauren early in the game which was a big blow and I think at point Chelsea had really good strength in depth.
“We had to be patient and wait for some of our payers that we brought in like Alex and Lucy and Rose.
“This is an opportunity to play a direct rival early on. They had good result in midweek (Chelsea secured a 4-1 Continental Cup group win over Arsenal) which shows the quality they have
“But we’re in a good place ourselves and we are looking forward to the game.”
Traditionally, games between Chelsea and City – along with meetings with Arsenal – have served as the key barometers in determining who goes on to eventually lift the title.
And given the quality of the two respective squads many have billed Sunday’s latest encounter as a potential early title pointer.
But with a host of FA Women’s Super League clubs having significantly strengthened over the summer, Taylor believes the 2010/21 campaign could shape up to be the most competitive and unpredictable yet.
“I think the league this season is different with all the reinforcements that squads have made. And not just for the so called top five or six – I think a lot of clubs have improved,” the City manager pointed out.
“So, I think there will be quite a few surprises and shock results this season which probably haven’t happened in previous years.
“In the past it has been what’s happened between City, Chelsea and Arsenal in the so-called mini league which has largely dictated what has happened in the league.
“But I think there’s a lot of quality additions out there and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s one of the lowest points scores for a title winning team.
“There’s a lot of big games this season not just Chelsea and Arsenal, there are other games.
“For us, there’s the Manchester derby, Everton’s always a big game and there’s going to be difficult matches with teams which are surprising a few this season.”
