Heroine’s welcome: Emma Hayes was given star treatment when she arrived for Sunday’s game at Staines; and below, Alex Scott unleashes a thunderbolt. Picture: the FA via Getty Images

Published: 13 August, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

PEDRO Martinez Losa insists Arsenal Ladies have not “lost the war” that is the race for the Women’s Super League title despite Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City at Meadow Park. 

The result leaves the Gunners trailing leaders Chelsea by two points, with the two sides set to meet at Boreham Wood FC in a crunch league clash on Sunday August 23.

With that in mind the London rivals will be batt-ling for a psychological edge this Sunday when they meet in the Continental Cup at Staines Town FC. 

Losa is confident his side will bounce back from the City defeat and can still end the season with silverware.

“The players gave 100 per cent effort and I think we have to learn from this one – we lost one battle but we did not lose the war,” the manager told Arsenal.com. “We are still in one of the best positions to be in, near the top of the table. 

“We need to realise that every team is going to be competitive and it depends on how competitive we can be.” 

On Sunday England defender Lucy Bronze headed City into a deserved first-half lead. Arsenal drew level straight after break thanks to Alex Scott’s dipping effort, but goals from Isobel Christiansen and Toni Duggan gave the Citizens what proved an unassailable lead.

Natalia Pablos Sanchon set up a tense finale with a late header, but Arsenal couldn’t find the equaliser. 

The Gunners defeat gave Chelsea the chance to reclaim top spot, which they duly accepted by beating Birmingham City.

Two goals from Eniola Aluko plus strikes from debutant Fran Kirby and Gilly Flaherty wrapped up a convincing 4-0 victory for the Blues, who are managed by former Parliament Hill School pupil Emma Hayes. 

Having guided Chelsea to a historic FA Cup victory at Wembley the previous weekend, Hayes was treated  to a heroine’s welcome as she arrived at Staines Town FC before the match on Sunday, stopping to sign autographs and speak to excited fans.