Programme notes'That performance was testament to the quality in our squad'

The Reds posted a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal Women at Emirates Stadium last Sunday to mark the opening game of the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Miri Taylor’s goal three minutes into the second half made the difference during a contest in which the visitors also showed defensive resolve to thwart last term’s third-placed finishers.

Thoughts are now firmly on the home meeting with Aston Villa Women this evening (6.45pm BST kick-off) and ensuring the success in London is a stepping stone.

“Last weekend was a fantastic way to start the season: winning away from home at the Emirates in front of a record WSL crowd and a massive Liverpool away support as well. What a three points!” captain Fahey, who is currently sidelined due to injury, writes in the matchday programme.

“Of course, we had a big win on the opening day last season too against Chelsea and it’s nice as it gave everyone a great lift for last season and it will hopefully do that this time too. Getting off to a good start is paramount, but last season we didn’t follow it up too well so we have to remain consistent and that’s one of our targets for this year.

“It was pleasing to get an away league win for the first time in a while too. If we want to be up there challenging, away wins are going to be important so it’s nice to kick things off with one and the aim is to continue that forward now.

“Considering we had a few injuries and COVID affecting a few players, I think the performance was testament to the quality we now have in the squad.

“When it came to the game, the illnesses didn’t seem to affect the girls. Taylor [Hinds] was struggling with COVID all week but you wouldn’t have known by her performance, so credit to the girls who weren’t feeling great as they really dug in and put in a good shift. It’ll be good to get Jas [Matthews] and Yana [Daniels] back from COVID now. We’re getting more numbers back so the squad is strengthening every week, which is great.

“Maybe last year if we had a couple of injuries we might have been a bit light but this season you can tell that the squad depth is really strong. Everyone played a really crucial part, including the new signings. As they did through pre-season, they all looked like they’ve been here for years. They’ve fitted in brilliantly and got up to speed with the Liverpool way essentially, very quickly. No-one more so than Miri Taylor. She is obviously not a complete newbie, but she came in up front with [Missy] Bo [Kearns] and I thought they did a brilliant job in what is not a natural position for them and combined brilliantly to score the goal.

“Now the girls are excited to be back at Prenton Park this evening.

“We drew with Villa away from home last season and I think towards the back end of the season we showed a lot of signs of improvement and consistency so this will be another big test. Villa had a good season last year and they’re obviously a really good side. But being back at home in front of our fans gives us a big boost and if we play as we did at Arsenal, being defensively solid and dangerous on the attack, we should have a really good chance of picking up all three points.

“On a personal note, I’m on track with my recovery, so all being well I’m looking at that six weeks mark. I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch running soon and then back out training and getting out there to help the girls.

“For now, we’re looking forward to another big game and I know you will be getting right behind the girls.”

Pick up your copy of the latest matchday programme at Prenton Park tonight.