Arsenal Ladies captain Kelly Smith believes the FA Cup final against Everton could be a turning point in their season.
Following last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Bristol Academy - their third league loss in a row - manager Shelley Kerr announced she will step down after Sunday's game.
Smith, who has scored five goals in previous FA Cup finals, insists morale inside the camp remains high despite some difficult results.
"It's the most prestigious cup competition in women's football so a win on Sunday could change our season"
"We've had a bad spell in the league and losing back-to-back home games is not acceptable - but the final is a one-off game," she told Arsenal.com. "There's enough experience in this side to help us over the line and playing in the FA Cup final is such a big occasion that there will be no problems getting up for this game.
"The FA Cup could be a turning point for us. It's the most prestigious cup competition in women's football so a win on Sunday could change our season.
"We've got experience of playing on the big occasions. The older players have a responsibility to help the younger players along the way but they also have the responsibility to come in and try to gain a spot. It's important for them to realise they need to lift their game when they play for Arsenal."
Smith has pinpointed the key areas for improvement as the Ladies prepare for Sunday’s showpiece against Everton and the rest of the WSL campaign.
"We're just not clicking in front of goal," she said. "When luck isn't on your side and you don't score, the pressure starts to build.
"We've got to show character now, dig deep and keep fighting. Other teams are dropping points and there's a long way to go."
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