Powell: Plenty of positives despite defeat

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Head coach's thoughts after 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the WSL on Sunday.

Bruce Talbot

2021-04-25T15:35:00Z

Albion head coach Hope Powell.

Head coach Hope Powell was pleased with much of her team’s performance despite Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in the WSL.

A goal in each half from Jordan Nobbs sentenced Albion to only their second defeat in the last seven games but Albion acquitted themselves well for long spells against the third-placed Gunners, who are in the hunt for a Champions League place.

“It’s always disappointing to lose but even so I was really pleased with the effort and attitude against a good Arsenal side,” said Powell.

“Against sides of Arsenal’s quality it is a case of being able to perform and compete and I think we did that. We had one or two chances and if we had taken one of them it might have been a different game. They have some world-class forwards but I thought we restricted them to very little so there were a lot of positives for us.”

Aileen Whelan beats Vivianne Miedema to the loose ball.

Powell was pleased with the performance of 17-year-old midfielder Libby Bance, who made her WSL debut.

“It was a really good learning experience for her,” said Powell. “She was up against some top players but I thought she grew into the game and she will really benefit from the experience.”

The head coach has also welcomed the football-wide social media blackout next weekend to protest against online abuse.

“I’m not on social media but I am glad that the clubs and players are taking this stance. Some of the abuse that some players have suffered online is totally unacceptable and hopefully this is will be a strong message to the individuals that it won’t and should not be tolerated.”