Lauren Hemp ‘a role model for all players’ – Gareth Taylor

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor said Lauren Hemp was a “role model” after inspiring his side’s third comeback victory in the space of a week.

Hemp scored the equalizer before assisting Jill Roord’s winner as City beat Aston Villa 2-1 to go top of the Women’s Super League.

“She was everywhere today, she just gives so much energy,” Taylor told BBC Two.

“When she has the mentality to do everything with and without the ball, she is a role model for all the players we have and, of course, the girls managed the game very well.”

Hemp was City’s main creative force on a day when they were far from their best, with top scorer Khadija Shaw effectively neutralized by Villa.

Instead it fell to the England international winger, who provided most of City’s threat until they finally equalized in the 62nd minute – and then laid it off for Roord to score eight minutes later.

It means City are top of the WSL with 13 points from five games – seven of which have come from games in which they were behind.

Villa opened the scoring at the Joie Stadium through Gabi Nunes after City also fell behind at Liverpool last week and against St Polten in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“I’m always worried about performance,” Taylor said. “I thought we were fantastic in many aspects, even at half-time I told the girls it was very good – we just didn’t control a single action from Villa, who are well coached, well organized and have some good players.

“I think it was a great turnaround in the second half. What I loved was the fact that we stayed calm.

“Of course we have to thank Lauren for the brilliant goal and fantastic assist. That second goal was really special.”