Taylor delighted with City’s winning return at Palace | OneFootball

Gareth Taylor praised the way his players got straight back into a winning groove after returning from the latest international break.

Taylor revealed there’s always some concern and apprehension among all coaches about performance levels when star players head back home after travelling around the globe with their countries.

But he was thrilled with the display at Selhurst Park as Jess Park, Jill Roord and Bunny Shaw ensured yet another three point haul to seal out spot at the summit of the WSL table.

“Most coaches would tell you it’s always difficult when you come back from the international break because you’re never too sure what you’re going to get,” he said post-game.

“We only had two days of preparation and we spoke about putting our City hats back on, obviously having been in different environments and having to switch on to what we’re doing again quickly so we could extend our good start to the season.

“We certainly did that. We controlled the early parts of the game well. We had some good opportunities to get that first goal and Jess pulled one out of the bag a little bit.

“The goalkeeper was quite high. She made some really good saves today. But we felt Jess was moving into a position where the goalkeeper was moving the opposite and coming out.

“It was a good goal that settled us a bit and allowed us to build on that platform in the second half.

“I thought Jill was class today - very, very good.

“In the second half she was growing into the game and really got to grips with it and had some opportunities before she scored.

“But there’s no better person in that situation when the bodies are flying around - that control and finish are great.

“Then the third goal is fantastic, the arrival of Bunny, the cross from Jess, the build-up play before was spot on.

“There was some good stuff out there. Coming away from here against quite an aggressive team and keep them quiet was impressive and a clean sheet is always nice.”

City were missing Ayaka Yamashita, Mary Fowler and Laia Aleixandri from the line-up this afternoon and Taylor revealed the reason for the trio’s absence.

“Yama and Mary are just illness obviously with all of the travelling,” he continued.

“Laia, we have to find out exactly, but it was something sustained with the Spanish team while she was away. We will have to check because we haven’t had time to assess.”

Next up the Blues is Friday Night Football this coming week against Tottenham.

The added impetus in this one is that it’s being played at the Etihad Stadium and Taylor is relishing the opportunity to continue our expert form there for the 19:30 (UK) kick-off.

“We are looking forward to it. We are obviously in great form – ten games unbeaten, nine wins in all competition - we are doing well, we are moving in the right direction.

“It’s a bit of an unfamiliar game for us, going to the Etihad but it’s one we need to look forward to and enjoy.

“The previous times we have been there, we have done that.”