Liverpool made a dire start to the season by taking just two points from their opening 10 WSL matches.
They had sold key player Olivia Smith to Arsenal for a record £1m in the summer and vice-captain Taylor Hinds went in the same direction.
By the time manager Taylor was appointed – just four weeks before the start of the season – Liverpool were already behind in their recruitment and scrambled to bring in players, including three signings on deadline day.
Their thin squad was hit by anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries to striker Sophie Roman Haug and playmaker Marie Hobinger.
Liverpool also had to deal with tragedy following the sudden deaths of former manager Matt Beard and kit man Jonathan Humble, while men’s team forward Diogo Jota died in the summer.
“It was difficult in the first part of the season. There’s no doubts we encountered a lot on and off the pitch,” Taylor told BBC Sport.
“The FA Cup, and how far we’ve gone, is something that’s 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 points to the new arrivals in January as one of the major reasons for Liverpool’s turnaround.
Midfielder Denise O’Sullivan has impressed, making 11 appearances since January, while Alice Bergstrom scored three goals in her first three matches.
On-loan Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, already a fan favourite, was the only winter signing who started Liverpool’s memorable 3-2 win over Everton in March, but Taylor believes competition for places in training has also lifted everyone’s levels.
The players sense a change for the better.
“The club has been through a rollercoaster season, with some tough times,” said O’Sullivan.
“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.”
