Hope Powell believes her side will be better equipped to handle her absence when they take on West Ham United tomorrow.
Albion's head coach and her assistant Amy Merricks continue to self-isolate following a positive Covid-19 test in the women's backroom staff and won't be back on the touchline until next Wednesday's Continental Cup tie against Reading.
Perry Northeast, who is technical director of the club's regional talent centres, takes charge against the Hammers.
Powell said: “The stand-in staff have been excellent but by our own standards we were poor against Aston Villa and, while I'm not excusing that, we perhaps underestimated how challenging a week it was.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
“Maybe it had a bigger effect on the players than we thought. We didn't have the preparation time but this week it has definitely been better. We're never out of touch with modern technology. I am still able to see the players and staff on a daily basis. I am there, just not physically there at the moment.”
Powell says her players need to cope with the added pressure of being favourites to win. They were fancied to beat bottom of the table Villa but lost 2-0 and could have no complaints about the result.
“When are you expected to lose you play with more freedom and fun and that allows you to relax in the game.
“When you are expected to win it can sometimes bring more pressure. We are striving to be an elite club so as players they have to manage those expectations, it's part of their development.”
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
Albion have already drawn 2-2 with West Ham in the Continental Cup and Powell expects another tight affair.
“We know it will be a tough challenge, and historically our matches have often been quite close. Despite where they sit in the table they are a good team and we have to prepare accordingly.
“There were a lot of lessons learned against Villa and hopefully we can put those into practice this Sunday. Against those teams in and around us we have to try and make sure that when the pressure is on we deliver.”