‘A top performance from us’ – Liverpool boss Taylor thrilled with Merseyside derby victory | OneFootball

Liverpool head coach Gareth Taylor was thrilled to see his side defeat Everton 3-2 in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

Ceri Holland bagged a brace while Martina Fernández put through her own net as Liverpool ended a long wait for a Barclays Women’s Super League win against their neighbours.

When speaking to the media after the match, Liverpool boss Taylor admitted that he was impressed by his side’s display.

“It was a top performance from us,” Taylor said. “I think it showed both sides, a lot of personality. I think we got a good foot-hold in the game. We started to control the game in the first five minutes, which was really impressive from us.

“I thought our second or third-phase play was exceptional, the first half goals we created, the dominance that we shared. There were moments for Everton, which you expect in any kind of derby.

“Second half was just a bit of a blur because of the decisions that are made, I don’t really have an argument with the Fisky [Grace Fisk] one. I think the girls get frustrated on both teams and start to lash out a little bit.

“I’m super-proud of the players. The way they defended that lead in the second half, it was fantastic to get it over the line. It just shows how well we’re doing and the positivity that’s radiating through the squad.”

Liverpool defender Grace Fisk received a red card in the 65th minute and Taylor praised those players that came into the game to keep the momentum going.

He said “It’s really hard. Getting the messages across is really tough at that point. I think we managed to re-group, get the players together and go with our plan. We had to obviously change some personnel within that, which was fine. I thought those players came into the game and did well; Gemma Evans, Denise [O’Sullivan] and then Martha Thomas at the end.

“I’m just really pleased because we talk a lot about winning games through skill and will and sometimes you need both. Every time you need both, certainly both of those components today.”

Holland netted a brace for the first time since 2023 and Taylor spoke very highly of the experienced midfielder.

He said “I think Ceri epitomises everything about playing football; she’s passionate, she shows qualities, she’s playing to a high level. I think she’s sponsored by Barclays at the moment, all of these Man of the Matches. She’s really humble and she appreciates being part of the team, she’s a real team player.

“The numbers she’s producing now, not just goals, but assists and the set play delivery, it’s been really good. It’s a pressure penalty, no doubt about it and she handled it really well.”

Liverpool are back in action next weekend when they travel to Charlton Athletic for an Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-final.