Manchester City’s head coach Gareth Taylor was full of praise for his team’s performance following their 2-0 victory over Hammarby in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The win not only extended City’s unbeaten run this season but also solidified their position at the top of Group D, keeping their perfect record intact after three matches. This result came on the back of a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in their opening game of the campaign.
After the match, Taylor reflected on the physical challenges posed by Hammarby, particularly their size advantage in midfield, which made it a difficult encounter for City. "It was a difficult game for us, a real physical challenge," Taylor said. "Hammarby are a strong, physical team, and they certainly tested us, especially in terms of their size and their physical presence in the middle of the park." Despite these challenges, City showed their resilience and managed to dominate the game, with Taylor noting that his players handled the pressure well, although there were areas where improvement was needed, particularly in their final actions.
One of the key tactical decisions in the match was the inclusion of Khadija Shaw and Alanna Kennedy, whose physical presence was vital in dealing with set pieces. Taylor credited them with being crucial to City’s ability to manage Hammarby’s aerial threat, which had been a concern. At one point in the match, City’s goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita made a vital save when the score was still 1-0, which proved pivotal in keeping City ahead. Later, Aoba Fujino’s goal gave City the cushion they needed, allowing them to manage the game and conserve energy as they secured the win.
In terms of team selection, Taylor made some changes to the starting lineup, notably leaving out Lauren Hemp entirely. He explained that Hemp was unavailable due to an issue that arose in the previous match against Crystal Palace on November 3. Although Hemp played in City’s 3-0 win against Tottenham the following Friday, she wasn’t fit enough for the Hammarby fixture. "We’ve just got an issue with Lauren that we need to analyse a little bit further," Taylor said. "She wasn't quite ready for this game, but we're hopeful she will be available for the next match."
Looking ahead, Taylor is optimistic that Hemp will be fit for City’s upcoming WSL clash against Chelsea. He plans to consult with the medical team to assess her fitness before making a final decision on whether she will be available for the weekend fixture. In the meantime, City remains in top form, with Taylor pleased with how his players are adapting to the demands of the competition.
This win over Hammarby further cements Manchester City’s strong start to the season, with their perfect record in the Champions League adding to their already impressive domestic performances. As they continue their campaign, Taylor will be looking for even more improvements in the team’s finishing, as well as maintaining their physical and mental resilience as they face tougher challenges ahead.
