Liverpool’s campaign in the Women’s Super League has largely fallen short of expectations, but the struggling side now stands just two wins away from lifting a major trophy. Gareth Taylor’s team faces a golden opportunity on Sunday when they take on Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
Currently sitting second from bottom in the WSL with only one game remaining, Liverpool have managed just four wins from 21 league matches. Taylor’s late appointment in the summer, combined with key player departures and recruitment struggles, led to a rocky start. All four league victories came after the new year, boosted by January signings that helped the team pull clear of relegation danger.
This turnaround has revitalized the Reds as they aim for a fourth Women’s FA Cup final appearance—their previous three ended in defeat between 1994 and 1996, the first under the club’s former name Knowsley United. Manager Taylor said the club wants to give fans “the reward they deserve” by reaching Wembley.
Top scorer Beata Olsson told reporters: “It’s an aspiration of the club. Playing for Liverpool, you always want to win titles. We’ve had a tough season in many ways, but this type of ending would be incredible. A lot of people talked about us underperforming, saying we didn’t really have what it takes. I can agree with that in parts, but now I don’t hear so many people saying that. We really trusted ourselves, and this would be a way to prove it even more.”
**How Have They Turned It Around?**
Liverpool made a dreadful start to the season, picking up just two points from their first 10 WSL matches. Key player Olivia Smith was sold to Arsenal for a record £1 million in the summer, and vice-captain Taylor Hinds also moved on. Manager Taylor was appointed only four weeks before the season started, leaving the club scrambling for new recruits, including three deadline-day signings.
The thin squad was also hit by anterior cruciate ligament injuries to striker Sophie Roman Haug and playmaker Marie Hobinger. Tragedy struck with the sudden deaths of former manager Matt Beard and kit man Jonathan Humble, while men’s forward Diogo Jota passed away in the summer.
“It was difficult in the first part of the season. There’s no doubt we encountered a lot on and off the pitch,” Taylor said. “The FA Cup, and how far we’ve gone, is something really inspiring for everyone because you don’t always get rewards in football. Football’s not fair, life’s not fair—it doesn’t work that way. But this group of players have behaved exceptionally well in the difficult moments. They have really stood together as a team, and that is what has got us to this point.”
Taylor pointed to January arrivals as a major reason for the turnaround. Midfielder Denise O’Sullivan has impressed with 11 appearances since January, while Alice Bergstrom scored three goals in her first three matches. On-loan Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, already a fan favorite, was the only winter signing who started in Liverpool’s memorable 3-2 win over Everton in March, but Taylor believes that competition for places in training has also lifted everyone’s levels.
Players sense a positive change. O’Sullivan said: “The club has been through a rollercoaster season, with some tough times. I think bringing players in to add depth and strengthen the team has made an impact. Everyone’s contributing to the success. The mentality of the team has changed. Every game we’re going into now, we’re looking to win, and we’re settling for nothing less.”
**What Impact Would an FA Cup Win Have?**
