Head coach Hope Powell has praised her players' defensive efforts as they look to extend their impressive run in the WSL against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Powell says it has taken a collective effort to tighten things up after they conceded ten goals in two games prior to embarking on a three-match winning run, in which they have only let in one goal in the 2-1 win over leaders Chelsea. That was followed by a 1-0 victory against West Ham and 2-0 win over Tottenham.
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She said, “If you are hard to beat you give yourself the best chance. No one is going to remember down the line that Chelsea had 30 shots against us, people will remember that we won the game 2-1. If you defend well you can get something out of any game.
“You have to be prepared to do the hard running, play with your head, take individual responsibility and deny the opposition chances. In the last few weeks, as a team, we have executed those disciplines really well. When we haven't got the ball everyone has been a defender.”
Albion's excellent run has coincided with the arrival of Finland international Emma Koivisto, who is yet to be on the losing side even though her current role at left-back isn't her usual position.
“We've won all three of the games so Emma is doing something right!” said Powell. “Emma is a great athlete who understands the game really well. She is a right-footed full back so she has done well to fill that role on the left, even though she has played in that position for Finland. She can get up and down the pitch and has been a great and popular addition to the squad.”
Albion will have Kayleigh Green available after suspension for the Villa game, which takes place at Walsall FC's Banks's Stadium.