The holders secured our place at Wembley with a valiant, battling display with captain Steph Houghton and summer signing Sam Mewis on the scoresheet, booking a third Final spot in four years.
Taylor was delighted with his side’s spirit, determination and response to the Gunners’ leveller, adding he only wished the fans could be there to enjoy it.
“It feels great,” he said. “I’m really pleased with the performance.
“Sometimes, like at Leicester (in the quarter-finals on Sunday), it’s not about the performance – it’s about getting through.
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“But I pride myself on performance and we battled hard, especially in the second half, having played some of our best football in the first half.
“We potentially could have been another goal up and I never thought we were in danger but then they scored a goal from nothing!
“The reaction was amazing – to score again inside five minutes.
“There were a few skirmishes in the second period but that’s probably through fatigue and a close scoreline.
“The partnership Steph and Gemma Bonner have is great. We have quality in other areas in terms of the ability to rotate but in that area, it’s those two.
“They’ve formed a partnership and the whole team defended from the front.
“This is a successful team. There are players who have won FA Cups before and other trophies, and winning breeds winning.
“That’s what we want and every player played a part.
“I know we’re in a difficult period in terms of three competitions and games every six days but this is the beauty of the game.
“We were away from it for too long. Hopefully, this made our supporters happy, watching from home.
“We’re really missing having them here and it makes a big difference, especially in those vital moments when you need a twelfth player.
“Hopefully, this gives them something to smile about.”
There was further cause for celebration, as Rose Lavelle made her debut, while lifelong City fan Keira Walsh marked her 150th appearance – an achievement Taylor hailed.
The Head Coach also handed more valuable minutes to youngster Jess Park, reiterating the Club’s faith in the Academy.
“It’s brilliant,” he smiled. “It means a lot to her. She’s a City fan through and through and she epitomises what this Club is about.
“She works hard and she has good quality with loads of determination.
“it was good to get Rose on, although in a slightly different position. I didn’t want to disrupt the midfield.
“Sometimes, when you play 70 minutes, you want to see it out, especially when you have the bit between your teeth like Sam had in the first half.
“The midfielders were looking comfortable and I didn’t want to affect the game. You can make changes for impetus but not in the wrong areas.
“Jess puts defenders on the back foot.”
City face Everton in the Final with the Toffees having impressed so far this season, defeating Chelsea and Birmingham this week.
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Although relishing the clash, Taylor admits his side have little time to enjoy reaching the Final with Tottenham Hotspur awaiting in the FA Women’s Super League on Sunday.
“Everton have made a good start,” he continued. “We played them in pre-season and we’re fully aware of what we’re going up against.
“There’s a bit of a rest, waiting for the Final, which comes on the back of the international break.
“I’m more comfortable with the squad in terms of numbers. In the Community Shield, we were really light.
“New players have come in and the girls have made them welcome, and things are starting to click now.
“We have a big game on Sunday. Fortunately, our next two games are at home and we’re really looking forward to those.
“We want to keep the momentum going.”
