Hope Powell admits her players learned a harsh lesson as their four-match winning run came to an end.
Albion were beaten 5-0 at home by Everton in Sunday's WSL encounter, with the visitors' Australian forward Hayley Ruso grabbing a hat-trick.
Powell said. “Credit to Everton. They were better than us but I don't think five goals better.
“At 2-0 at half-time I thought we were still in it but conceding the third just after half-time left us with an uphill battle.
“It's another harsh lesson for us. We've been on a good run but that doesn't mean you can afford to relax.”
Ruso got her first 96 seconds after Everton had opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
“It felt like we were really on the front foot for the first 20 minutes but then we conceded two in two minutes and it was uphill for us from there,” added Powell.
“I can never fault the players for their effort and attitude but sometimes our application – and by that I mean giving the ball away too cheaply and putting yourself in trouble – has to be better.
“When you come up against teams that keep the ball, move it at pace and take their chances then it is difficult. You have to be on it and today we just weren’t.”
Despite defeat Albion stay sixth in the table and will be looking to start another winning run at home to Manchester United next Sunday.