Losa - Wins like that 'taste better'

By Lloyd Webb

Pedro Martinez Losa says Arsenal Ladies’ penalty shoot-out win against Notts County tasted sweeter than a usual victory.

The Gunners reached the Women's FA Cup semi-finals after coming from a goal behind nine minutes from the end to take the game to extra-time and then penalties.

Sari Van Veenendaal saved three spot kicks before Katie McCabe struck the winner and Losa says he was relieved to beat last year’s Continental Cup finalists.

"It was difficult,” he told Arsenal.com. "When you get things that have come from a lot of effort, it tastes better. All credit goes to the players and we are in the semi-finals which is what we wanted. There was a lot of tension, so it is a relief.

"The players had been working so hard, but also in front of our fans we want to play our best football. Our best football will come, but we want to dedicate that win to the fans and show them how good the team can be.

"These moments make the team stronger and polish your character. The players in this squad are very young. We have to give those players time to deal with pressure and the way we want to play. The other players like Kelly Smith, they have that ability. It takes time to make a winner, and they are on their way.

"We started the competition with two Women’s Super League teams. We never get luck in the draws like the other teams, and we probably won’t get luck in the next draw either. We are here, and looking to the Women’s FA Cup and whoever wants to beat us, they need to know they will have to work hard. If we go to penalties, we will probably win!"