Gareth Taylor excited by Manchester City’s potential in Arsenal draw

Gareth Taylor says if Manchester City can draw with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium when they are “off colour” it is an exciting prospect for the rest of the season.

City were 2-1 up in London thanks to a stunning strike from Jess Park and a goal against her former club by Vivianne Miedema.

But England forward Beth Mead came off the bench to equalise with nine minutes to go for Arsenal, meaning it was all square in their Women’s Super League opener.

“I would have been happier with the three points but given the context of the game…” said City boss Taylor.

“It was the season opener at the Emirates in front of a big crowd and people have to understand what that does to players. It’s a big game and it feels almost like a final.

“There’s areas we can work on for sure. The exciting thing is that I don’t think we were at our best – far from it – and if we can do that, be off colour and still come away with a point, it’s a real positive.”

Park’s strike in the second half was the pick of the goals as she struck the underside of the crossbar from long range before the ball bounced over the line.

But Taylor, who prefers to sit in the stands for a better vantage point at the Emirates, missed the goal.

“I knew you would ask me what I thought of it – but I didn’t actually see it. I was coming down from upstairs but I heard it was good!” he said.

“What we always challenge her [to do] is come up with the icing on the cake – the final actions, the assists, the goals. She’s started the season hot.

“To come here and – apparently – score a stunning goal, is really impressive.”