close on Sunday knowing the title is beyond
them after a three-point deduction last week.
However, there is still plenty for the Gunners to look
forward to.
After the trip to Merseyside, all eyes will turn to
Friday's Continental Cup final against Lincoln and
then the return to Champions League action with an
intriguing tie against Kazakh side Kairat.
You need to put more time and effort into
professionalism. Other teams are bridging
the gap and that's something we need to
prepare ourselves for in the future
Shelley kerr
Shelley Kerr was in reflective mood when she spoke
to Arsenal.com ahead of Sunday's game against
Everton and insisted there are exciting times ahead
for this "extremely talented" Arsenal side.
"We've been quite unfortunate with the position
we're going into the game in," Kerr said. "I still
maintain that we've been the best team this season.
We've only lost one game domestically all season
and that's shown how good the team are.
"We're disappointed we can't retain our title and that
Champions League spot has eluded us but that's
football and we have to look forward. It's just small
margins that make all the difference in football.
"There are lots of positives to be taken from this
season, we've got the best defensive record in the
league and have only lost one game domestically
which is a great achievement given the number of
games we've played."
Unusually, the focus will not be on Arsenal on Sunday
as Liverpool and Bristol Academy meet for a title
decider in what promises to be an exciting climax to
the WSL.
And Kerr was full of praise for both teams.
"Liverpool bought 12 new players in and are reaping
the rewards from training every day and full credit to
them because they have set a benchmark for
everyone to follow.
"That's the way the women's game is evolving. You
need to put more time and effort into
professionalism. Other teams are bridging the gap
and that's something we need to prepare ourselves
for in the future. That's the challenge."
Shelley Kerr
Arsenal swept aside the Toffees 5-0 in the reverse
fixture back in August but Kerr believes Andy
Spence's side will be a tough nut to crack on Sunday.
"Everton have got some real quality players. Toni
Duggan scored a hat-trick for England so she will
come into the game full of confidence.
They've got some cracking young players who have
done really well at under-19 level as well so they will
be a force in years to come."
Kerr also looked back with pride on her first season in
charge of the Gunners and thinks the best is yet to
come for the team as they approach the end of this
"transitional" season.
"I'm still finding my feet a little bit but it's been great
to have the time to experiment with the team.
There's a bright future with some very talented
players coming through."
Kerr saved special praise for the efforts of Emma
Byrne since the summer break and said the team's
solidness at the back has a lot to do with the Irish
keeper.
"Emma in the second part of the season has been
fantastic she's been exceptional and had a lot to do
with how secure we've been defensively. She's an
experienced player and a bubbly character.
"There have been a lot of performances that have
pleased me and they have been great to work with.
There's still a lot of games to focus on in the near
future and we're thoroughly looking forward to
them."
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
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