InterviewMelissa Lawley on WSL hopes, Arsenal challenge and improving
Melissa Lawley is determined to keep enhancing the abilities that have made the winger a key part of Matt Beard's Liverpool FC Women attack.
The fan favourite was one of the standout performers last season, helping the club win promotion by securing the FA Women's Championship crown.
Following an impressive start to their return to the Barclays Women's Super League with a 2-1 victory over reigning champions Chelsea, Liverpool have lost their last two outings against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
But Lawley insists the spirit in the camp remains as strong as it has always been, with the squad eager to establish themselves in the top division once again.
"We are still finding our feet in the WSL," she told Liverpoolfc.com. "Obviously it's a big step up from the Championship but we are working so hard in training.
"We showed what we can do when we got the three points against Chelsea, so we look on that as a positive.
"It's still stepping stones and we are working hard to get the next three points."
Last weekend's defeat at Spurs was described by Beard as a game of two halves, with the Reds dominating the second period after a difficult opening to the contest.
"They scored from a deflection, which we couldn't really do much about, but we have to admit it was a poor first-half performance," said Lawley.
"We regrouped, came out with a positive mindset and we knew we were still in this game.
"We put in a much better performance, created some good chances, but we just couldn't get a goal in the end."
Highlights: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Liverpool FC Women
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On a personal level, Lawley feels she is getting sharper and back to her best, as the No.11 and the team strive for consistency in the WSL.
"The second half against Tottenham, I felt that was one of my best performances in a long while," said the 28-year-old.
"To build on that it has given me confidence and building on my self-belief, that I am doing what I do best now, and I want to help this team."
Lawley was also keen to thank Beard for the faith and encouragement he has shown in her.
She added: "The manager has been massive for me. He has given me my self-confidence back and he is always there to put his arm around me but also to give me a kick up the backside as well when I fall below my standards.
"We always say we are a family, and we are all there for each other.
"Beardie has brought that as a manager in that we all stick together, work hard for each other and push each other really hard."
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The Reds return to Prenton Park this Sunday, hosting second-placed Arsenal in the WSL in front of the live BBC cameras, with kick-off set for 12pm BST.
The Gunners boast players such as England stars Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, plus Dutch attacker Vivianne Miedema and Swedish forward Stina Blakstenius.
"Arsenal are up there as one of the best teams, but so are Chelsea and we did so well against them on the opening day," assessed Lawley.
"We've just got to believe in ourselves, believe that we are going to put a performance in and believe we can get the three points.
"It's tough challenges but it's what we want, we look forward to it and we want to compete against the very best.
"As a group we will stick together, work hard, put in performances we can be proud of and hopefully that will get us the three points.
"We are also at home and have our fantastic supporters with us. They are absolutely brilliant, and it doesn't go unnoticed.
"Every game we go to we always hear our fans. They mean a lot to us and hopefully on Sunday they will be there cheering us on against Arsenal."
With an away game at Manchester City to follow the fixture versus Arsenal, it is certainly a tough start to the campaign for the Reds.
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However, Lawley remains confident Liverpool will continue to grow in the WSL and show their full capabilities.
"There is a lot more to come from us as a team and it will just take a little bit of time," she finished. "We just need to get those goals, convert those chances we are creating and not concede so early on.
"We feel we can compete in this division; we deserve to be in the WSL and we are going to do all we can to give our best.
"I really do believe we will give this league a good go."
Tickets for Liverpool FC Women v Arsenal at Prenton Park are on sale here.