The holders suffered a second defeat in three games, as Vivianne Miedema’s first half strike separated the sides at Adams Park, Wycombe to inflict Arsenal’s revenge on Nick Cushing’s side for our 2014 triumph.
Houghton admitted City made life difficult for themselves in their bid to retain the League Cup trophy but with Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final trip to Sunderland looming, the captain has called for a response.
“We can’t dwell on it,” she stated. “It’s hard to take as it’s obviously a cup we have great memories with but full credit to Arsenal.
“They were the better team in the first half. We tried to pull it back in the second but it was too late.
“I think we gained a bit more control – Ellie Roebuck had about one save to make – and we had the possession.
“I just think it wasn’t our day. The only people who can put that right is ourselves.
“I think you’ve got to be humble in victory and humble in defeat.”
The Final was Houghton’s first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in the hard-fought goalless draw at Chelsea at the beginning of February.
Although it has been a difficult period, the defender is looking forward to better things.
“It’s been tough and frustrating not being able to help the team over the past few weeks,” she added.
“The girls have done fantastically well.
“Now, we have to look ahead to Sunderland on Sunday.
“We still have to reflect on what we can do better – as we do every single game, whether we win, lose or draw.
“We have to make sure we recover and go again on Sunday.”
