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‘This was a big win for our mentality’

Pedro Martinez Losa

 By Connor Armstrong

Pedro Martinez Losa believes Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea will be invaluable for Arsenal’s mentality heading into the final six games of the Women’s Super League season.

Goals from Vicky Losada and Danielle van de Donk earned the Gunners a crucial three points in a match that had been heralded by Casey Stoney in the build-up as “season-defining”.

The win saw Losa’s side close the gap between the two sides to just two points and the manager feels the result will have a significant impact during the run-in.

"There’s not been too many international dates and July, for us, is massive. If we finish July unbeaten I think we will be back in the race, fighting for the title"

Pedro Martinez Losa



“Beating Chelsea away is one of the biggest victories that we can achieve, not only because of the league but for our mentality and for our fans,” Losa told Arsenal.com.

“The team didn't lose their energy, we kept going, we scored a good goal in a good psychological moment - just before half-time - and we knew that we could beat them.

“We knew from minute one until the last that we were going to have our opportunities and I thought we showed our character.

“Dan Carter’s goal in the FA Cup final was a fantastic goal, but today, for us, [Van de Donk’s strike] looks like the best goal of the season because we beat Chelsea.

“Now it’s about keeping playing like we are. It’s not about the difference in points, if you keep that momentum as a team then you will be fighting for the victory in every game.

“It’s not easy to play against Arsenal, teams are scared to play against sides of our ability and we can use that to our advantage.”

The Gunners have now taken maximum points in July, defeating Chelsea and Notts County in the WSL, as well as beating Reading in the Continental Cup.

Losa’s side face Sunderland and Liverpool next, and the manager believes it will be a crucial period if they are to force their way back into the title race.

“We knew that July was going to be a key month for us,” he said. “We knew we could prepare for games and compete Sunday to Sunday. That gives us more time to prepare the details and for the players to recover.

“There’s not been too many international dates and July, for us, is massive. If we finish July unbeaten I think we will be back in the race, fighting for the title.”

Danielle Van De Donk celebrates her winner

Danielle Van De Donk celebrates her winner