Albion captain Vicky Losada believes her side needs to improve their game management despite beating Everton 2-1 in their Women’s Super League opener on Sunday.
Melissa Phillips’ team raced into a 2-0 lead after 14 minutes courtesy of Elisabeth Terland’s double but the Toffees clawed their way back into the game through Megan Finnigan’s strike in the second half.
Albion dominated much of the first half, thanks to their slick attacking play and effective high press, but they faded in the second half and Everton nearly took advantage.
Summer signing and former Champions League winner Losada, 32, has called on her teammates to be a bit smarter in certain situations going forward.
“The first half was different to the second half, we created a lot of opportunities [in the first], we scored the goals, so it was a great start,” she said.
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“Then in the second half we had to sit in, we worked together but we have to get better in managing the game, trying to keep the ball under pressure but it is a great effort from the team, so I am happy to get the three points.”
Midfielder Losada was one of six players to make their Albion debuts in the victory and the Spanish international believes their much-changed squad needs to keep working hard to get the best out of one another.
That is something the former Manchester City and Arsenal player will hope to do next Sunday when they are back in WSL action at home to West Ham.
“I think in the first half we did [feel comfortable] but we knew Everton would come out in the second half and press higher, so we didn’t know to go [forward] or drop so I think watch the game back and improve in moments because the second half was so difficult,” Losada added.
When asked what her goals are for the season, she added: “Improving, helping the new players, working hard, sticking together and just go day by day.”
Albion play their opening home game against West Ham next Sunday before taking on Spurs at the Amex on 15 October. To buy your tickets click here.