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Losada urges Albion to start winning more battles as tough start to 2025 continues

Jelena Cankovic battles with Manchester United's Hinata Miyazawa <i>(Image: PA Wire/Richard Sellers)</i>
Jelena Cankovic battles with Manchester United's Hinata Miyazawa (Image: PA Wire/Richard Sellers)

Vicky Losada says Albion are good enough to work their way out of a tough start to the year.

But they must start winning more one-versus-one battles.

The Seagulls went down 3-0 at Manchester United in the WSL to round off a testing nine-day period.

They were knocked out of the League Cup by Arsenal in midweek having, before that, suffered perhaps the most disappointing result of the three with defeat at Liverpool.

In-form United were always in charge after going ahead early through England star Ella Toone.

Albion skipper Losada told brightonandhovealbion.com: “Right now we are not in a good moment.

“We know it has not been good enough but we are working hard to change this situation.

“I think in the second half we had a bit more possession but it is really hard to change a 2-0 against United.”

Albion host Durham in the FA Cup on Wednesday followed by the visit of Crystal Palace to Broadfield.

Losada said: “We have to recover physically and mentally.

“I think teams are pressing us now, one versus one.

“I think we are good enough to get out of these situations.

“It is just something new. We need to work in training every day and just stick together, help each other.

“That happens in football and we need to stay strong mentally.

“Apart from the tactical stuff, we need to start winning our battles, our one versus ones. I think that is more mentally.

“We come back to training, we will have conversations, just be honest with each other and try to change this situation.”

Fresh from her hat-trick over neighbours Manchester City last weekend, it took only two minutes for Toone to open the scoring at the Leigh Sports Village as she slotted into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

Hinata Miyazawa doubled the hosts’ advantage just under ten minutes later and Celin Bizet beat Sophie Baggaley from long distance in the second half to seal a comfortable evening for United.