City host United in this weekend’s 12:30 (UK) kick-off knowing a win would move us top of the WSL table for 24 hours at least.
Taylor’s side have won our last ten league matches, a run which stretches back to our memorable 3-1 win at Old Trafford in November’s reverse fixture.
And while the boss insists his players won’t be distracted by the occasion, and the bumper crowd expected at the Etihad, he’s praised the remarkable consistency the squad have shown so far ahead of another crucial encounter.
Next Fixture
All fixturesBarclays WSL
GMT
“The players were phenomenal last week. We executed the game plan really well,” Taylor said of City’s 4-1 win at Brighton last week, which saw us bounce back from successive Cup defeats.
“What really pleased me was that there were high levels of trust in what we do. When we have that, we see really good things. I have to say, 90 percent of the season we’ve been so, so good.
“There’s been maybe one half in maybe 50 this season against Spurs in the second half where we weren’t quite ourselves for one reason or another.
ETIHAD DERBY | BUY YOUR TICKETS
“It can happen. It’s something to be admired from this group. Tomorrow is no different, we try to keep it normal in trying to play the game not the occasion, we understand the implications in terms of results.
“But we have to enjoy this moment and really commend the players on how well we’ve done to be in this position.
“There’s a little bit of space now between second and third, and third and fourth. It’s important for us to try and remain in there as best we can.”
City’s exit from both the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage and in the Continental Cup last four means our sole focus is now on challenging for the WSL title.
And Taylor believes his players will benefit from the extended rest periods now available to the squad between league fixtures.
It also means the boss has a strong team at his disposal this weekend, heaping praise on the Club’s medical staff and their role in ensuring the squad remain in peak condition.
Asked for any updates on the City squad from last weekend, Taylor said: “No, not especially.
“It’s similar to last weekend, we’re in a good place in that sense. The performance team are doing really well and the players, the way they’re recovering from game to game.
“It’s slightly different with how the games are like now until the end of the season, with one game weeks.
“There’s a good recovery time and opportunity to train, which I think is important.”
Tickets are still available to purchase ahead of the latest showdown between City and United, with adults priced from £10 and Under-18s from just £5.
For more information on how to secure your seat and cheer on Gareth Taylor’s side, click here.
