Katie Zelem said Manchester United need to start taking their chances after they slipped to their second defeat in two games at the start of the new season.
Casey Stoney's United side lost to Arsenal on Monday night thanks to an 89th minute Danielle Van de Donk winner which left the United players 'devastated' after a valiant effort from goalkeeper Mary Earps to keep the Super League champions at bay.
It's United's second league defeat of the season, having lost to Manchester City on the opening day, and new club captain Zelem believes it could have been a different story if they'd take their chances.
In the first halves of both of their opening games Stoney's side have had good opportunities to take the lead but excellent goalkeeping and missed chances have left them with no points.
"It's about taking our chances now," Zelem told MEN Sport. "In the City game and this game if we can go in 1-0 up at half time and take them chances then it’s two different games. It’s fine margins at this level and when you’re playing against the teams at the top that’s what really counts."
Zelem's been given the captain's armband this season following the departure of Alex Greenwood to Lyon but she believes the responsibility doesn't just lie with her to get the team to bounce back against Liverpool a week on Saturday.
"I'm so honoured to lead the girls out but it's not just my job the girls (to get them to bounce back). We are all really together and doesn’t just need me to do it," Zelem said. "Everyone’s a collective team and they’re all equal and we can all lift each others’ spirits and hopefully we can get all three points and go from there."
Zelem hailed 'phenomenal' Earps for her display but the England international admitted that while she was pleased with her display it was a bittersweet feeling after Arsenal's late winner.
"I'm pleased but it’s about the team and the result really," Earps said. "I’m happy to do my job and I just want to put my body on the line and do everything I can for the team.
"I’m glad I was able to do that tonight and try and do it in every game sometimes you’re busy, sometimes you’re not and tonight was one of my busier evenings but the overriding feeling is disappointment with the result but not in a bitter way. It’s hard to explain. I think we could have hung on for a little bit longer it’s just an ugly deflection."
