It was the perfect riposte to some tough recent results and ensured City went into the November international break on a real high.
After a goalless first half, Taylor’s side let rip after the break with Caroline Weir opening the scoring with a sumptuous effort before Georgia Stanway quickly doubled our lead.
Substitute Hayley Raso added a brace of her own with Lauren Hemp also on target to round off a thumping victory.
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The win lifted us up into sixth place in the FA Women’s Super League table and reflecting on the win, the boss had nothing but praise for the way his players had stuck to the task and secured a deserved three points.
“I thought it was a good performance. We scored some really good goals. These games always difficult, and Villa are a difficult proposition,” Taylor declared.
“So I have to take hat off to the players… I thought we showed real bravery.
“I spoke to the players at the end about making sure we use this feeling and the energy, most of all… how proud I was of their bravery.
“There is still a lot to do in terms of the way we play, refining key details. But the signs were really good and positive today.
“We got a clean sheet and everyone played their part right the way through.
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“The substitutes made a difference, they helped give us energy, especially when Villa started to flag towards the end.
“I was quite calm (at half-time). In those moments, you have to be calm, if you start to panic it sends a negative vibe.
“We looked at a slight tactical change, we pushed Filippa higher up the field with Georgia more central position and at 1-0, the spaces changed, we adapted. The girls took that on really well.”
The City boss was also full of praise for the impact made by Raso following her brace – her first goals since joining the club in the summer.
As well as finding the target twice, Raso also turned provider for Hemp’s goal, to round off an impressive all-round performance.
“She did great and not just with her goals,” Taylor added.
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“I was especially pleased with the pick out for Lauren at the far post.
“Hayley is an exciting player, bags of pace, energy, and wins ball back quickly. We have challenged her with picking the ball out in the final third.
“That was great today, she has been a threat, and she backed up with connecting in the final third.”
