Taylor: Chelsea defeat at Liverpool changes nothing | OneFootball

Gareth Taylor says Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night will not affect his team’s preparation for our penultimate game in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

The defending champions lost 4-3 at Prenton Park to leave them six points behind us with three games left.

We have just two matches left, starting with the visit of Arsenal to the Joie Stadium on Sunday.

Although City now know the destiny of the title is in our hands, Taylor says his players are focused only on the next game.

City v Arsenal | Match preview

“It’s changed nothing,” he stated in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“There’s been a lot of talk around it but the objective is the same, win the next game.

“We kept that as our focus, it’s about not worrying too much about elsewhere, Chelsea are still the champions.

“We’re fighting for that title but with regards to the other night nothing’s changed to what we face at the weekend.

“It’s about controlling what you can control so watching a game where that can happen is difficult.

“I heard about the result and my phone was quite lively but it doesn’t change anything in our objective.

“It’s about remaining focused and we’ve done that well this season.”

WATCH: Gareth Taylor pre-match press conference | City v Arsenal - Barclays WSL

As well as a crucial day in the WSL, Sunday is also Steph Houghton’s final home game after an incredible decade at the Club.

The captain will retire at the end of the current campaign and while there will be an opportunity for fans to celebrate her influence, Taylor knows Houghton will be professional throughout this weekend.

“Steph will be, as she always has been, the utmost professional. The mentality is incredible,” he said.

“I said in the press conference at Bristol, she effectively did my team talk for me at half-time, she’ll be a loss, no doubt.

“It’s so difficult to replicate that, others in the group will try to step into that space but everyone’s unique and what she brings and the way she’s driven the team has been incredible.”

City v Arsenal app coverage

The Official Man City App will have all bases at the Joie Stadium covered.

Our Matchday Centre will get under way from 12:15 (UK) and will provide detailed text commentary, stats and analysis before, during and after the game.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Tash Harding will be the special guests on Matchday Live which starts roughly an hour before kick-off.

Live audio commentary will also be provided, and those with push notifications turned on can be alerted to all the key bits of the action as they unfold.

A comprehensive match report, plus reaction from Taylor and members of his squad will be published on mancity.com and our official app shortly after the final whistle.

Short and extended highlights, as well as a CITY+ full-match replay will be made available at 12:00 (UK) this coming Monday.