Gareth Taylor said he combined a double substitution with some tactical changes to inspire a ruthless second-half performance from Manchester City Women against Manchester United on Sunday.
Trailing 1-0 at half-time and comfortably second best, City were in danger of going out of the FA Cup and failing to back up their big win over United a fortnight ago.
However, the introduction of derby specialist Caroline Weir and winger Hayley Raso changed the game immediately, with Raso setting up Lauren Hemp for an early equaliser, before United gifted Ellen White a goal just before the hour mark. Weir's well-hit shot squirmed underneath United's Mary Earps two minutes later to hand United complete control of the tie.
"I thought we started quite well and then gave away a poor goal which was disappointing and affected us and gave United impetus and they showed more desire," Taylor said of the first half.
"I said to the girls we had to step it up. Be more streetwise in our pressing and defending and we just tweaked a few things in possession.
"But when you have someone like Hayley Raso who can come on and punish teams and Lauren Hemp on the other side, I think we just turned it around in 10 minutes and we were superb and showed what a good team we are. Everything I said at half-time we did in the second half.
"The intent was there in the first half but you can't expect things to happen naturally. My worry, and I said at half-time, was we'd be complacent and expect things to happen. United don't let you do that, we had to make them work. In the second half we put them to the sword and it was a top performance.
"It was a statement performance in the second half.
Goalscorer Weir, who made it two goals in as many games off the bench against United, said the half-time team talk way key to turning the game around in City's favour.
She revealed: "At half-time we just spoke about making sure we did the right things. We came out in the second half and got the rewards in the end.
"You can’t really beat a derby. In Manchester you are either a Blue or a Red and think we thrive on the atmosphere. Personally, I love a derby. You live to win and we have done it again."
