Casey Stoney celebrating her third goal in as many games with fellow defender Leah Williamson. Picture: The FA via Getty Images. 

Published: 4 September, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENAL Ladies celebrated netting a new manager by beating title-chasers Birmingham City 2-1 on Sunday in the Women’s Super League. 

Spanish coach Pedro Martinez Losa will take over as the Gunners’ first-team boss on September 15 after stepping away for his role as assistant coach of USA National Women’s Soccer League side, Western New York Flash. 

The 38-year-old, who holds a UEFA ‘A’ licence, arrives with premier pedigree having also led Rayo Vallecano Femenino to the Spanish Cup in 2008 – the first major trophy in their history. 

He then guided them to three successive Spanish title and took the team to the last 16 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. 

Losa (pictured above), whose first game in charge will be away to Bristol Academy in the Super League on September 20, said he was delighted to land the top job in north London. 

“Joining Arsenal Ladies is a very special moment for me,” he added. 

“The team has a great history and I will do my best to add to it during my time in charge.” 

Captain and assistant coach Kelly Smith was on the sidelines on Sunday as the Gunners secured their fourth win in their last six league games at the Autotech Stadium. 

Central defender Casey Stoney volleyed the visitors ahead in the 23rd minute, scoring her third goal in as many games following a Shinobu Ohno corner. 

Freda Ayisi hit the decisive second goal on 70 minutes when her shot went in off the post before former Gunner Karen Carney pulled a goal back for Birmingham in stoppage time.