Gareth Taylor’s side fell to a 2-0 loss against the Londoners at Wembley in the 2020/21 season opener, as Millie Bright and Erin Cuthbert struck in the second half.
A frustrating second half also saw Jill Scott shown a red card for a second bookable offence, in a disappointing start to the campaign.
However, although Houghton admitted the team were hurt by the defeat, the captain says there is no need to panic with five more trophies up for grabs this season!
“It’s tough to take,” she admitted. “We’re not going to hide the fact we wanted to win.
“Credit to Chelsea – they took their chances. Both teams had their fair few chances and different periods of control.
“When you go down to ten players, it’s even harder against Chelsea – whether that’s Jill or anyone else, to go down to ten with 40 minutes to go, is tough.
“It’s going to be a long season and we have new players and a new manager.
“We gave everything but it wasn’t meant to be. We did everything we could but that’s football.
“We never give in. This Club has a long way to go and I believe in my teammates and my manager.
“We’ll take it on the chin and go again.”
With City set to compete in five more competitions (the FA Women’s Super League, Champions League, the Continental Cup and two FA Women’s Cups), Houghton says she is excited to discover how the new campaign will pan out, especially with the influence of Taylor and her new teammates.
“We know we can have a good season,” she added. “It’s important we don’t read too much into the first game.
“It’s a challenge. We had Nick Cushing for four, five and six seasons and as players, we were used to the way one manager wanted to coach.
“Gaz has come in and it’s been totally different but at the same time, it’s a really good challenge and exciting.
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“Plus, we’re attracting the players with the calibre of Sam Mewis, Rose Lavelle and Chloe Kelly, who have strengthened the squad.
“That strength in depth is important with a big season ahead and so many trophies up for grabs.
“The new players are fitting in well but we have to give them time to bed in – Sam and Rose will be in a new country and will need time to get used to the way we play, as do we.
“We have to make sure we go to Aston Villa next week and get three points there. At a Club like City, we need to be challenging.”
