When Chloe Kelly levelled the scores in the 72nd minute, cancelling out a stunning Steph Catley opener, it looked like the visitors would go on to deservedly earn at least a point at Meadow Park.
However, an uncharacteristic error from Khiara Keating allowed Stina Blackstenius to tap home into an empty net as stoppage time approached.
It was harsh on the young goalkeeper, whose fine start to the campaign had continued when she denied Kim Little from the penalty spot in a frenetic first half.
The boss believes Keating will respond positively to what was a cruel end to proceedings at Meadow Park and expressed his personal pride at City’s gutsy display.
“We need to take the positives, which were the performance and the way we create chances,” he explained.
“The way we showed our identity at an away venue which is well supported, Arsenal fans are very noisy and get close to the pitch but for large parts of the game we silenced them.
“We need to be aware of what we need to be aware of, and on what we need to improve on. We’ll be fine.
“Everyone’s been praising [Khiara Keating] and what she’s doing, me more than anyone.
“This is all part, unfortunately, of the learning. There’s never been goalkeeper in the game who’s never made a mistake.
“She’ll be fine, she’s a big personality, has done brilliant things for us and will continue to do brilliant things. The girls are good in that space, we bounce back very quickly from these setbacks.”
Hear the boss’ thoughts in full via the video above...
