ReactionGareth Taylor: Performance a step forward but we're disappointed to lose
The Reds were beaten at Kingsmeadow on Sunday by goals in either half from Sjoeke Nusken and Lauren James.
Liverpool had an early Alice Bergstrom goal disallowed for handball and created numerous openings throughout the afternoon, but Chelsea’s clinical edge ultimately proved the decisive factor.
Post-match, head coach Taylor told Sky Sports: “A little bit disappointed because we had large spells of the game and I thought the identity we showed today was more of what I was looking for.
“We put this game in the same category as Manchester United a couple of weeks ago, but I think they were contrasting kind of performances and we felt that we were always in this game.
“I know people will probably point to the fact that we equalised against United, but just thinking [about] the way we want to do things, the way that we want play and the courage and bravery we showed, we were really good today in moments.
“We didn’t make enough of our opportunities, particularly in the first half. We worked Hannah Hampton a little bit more in the second half and also, really, I said to the girls, we would be disappointed with the goals because I think they’re on us.
“We collapsed a little on either side for each of the goals and that can be frustrating because you know that pretty much everything’s got to go your way when you play against the likes of Chelsea because the quality of players that they have.
“But all in all, I do believe it’s a step forward for us, for us to come here and have large parts of the possession that we did today and control large parts of the game with some good performances in that.
“I thought Fuka [Nagano] was very good, Fisky [Grace Fisk], was very good, Jennifer Falk really, really improved today. So, overall, pleased, [it’s a] step forward but a little bit disappointed that we didn’t get something from the game.”
When asked to pinpoint the areas his team can learn from after the loss, Taylor replied: “It never changes, football – it’s always the top end of the pitch.
“I think just having that craft and the decision-making and again like we say about the game, it’s always won in both boxes. We need to defend better, we need be better in the duels.
“Chelsea are a very physical team we know that’s a real strength of theirs so that’s something we need to improve on and if we’re not going to be mega great in the duels then we’ve got to be really good with the ball.”