ReactionGemma Bonner: We're disappointed but can be proud of the effort we put in
Liverpool FC Women were beaten 2-1 at Anfield in the Barclays Women's Super League by a Khadija Shaw-inspired comeback in the second half.
Olivia Smith had put the hosts 1-0 up in spectacular fashion shortly before half-time but Shaw struck twice, in minutes 58 and 92, to turn the game around.
Bonner told Sky Sports post-match: "Extremely frustrated. We're definitely disappointed with how the end result came about.
"I think we can be extremely proud of the effort that we put in. I think [in the] first half we caused them a lot of problems.
"But I think when we look back, defensively we know we were strong as a unit and I think it's about probably making use of the ball better when we do have it in those times to give us a little bit more energy towards the end of the game.
"I can't fault the girls' effort – every girl that came on the pitch. It was a real team performance but, of course, we're disappointed because we've not won the game or not got a point.
"We know City are a top side but we're definitely frustrated to not come away with a point."
On the Reds' defensive showing, Bonner continued: "The strength of this group is what we do, we do it together and we work strong as a team.
"I think our strength and our power is how we come together and how we perform as a team. I think we know that defensively we can be hard to beat and we know that we've got players within our group that can go and hurt teams and score goals and create goals. I think that's the foundation.
"We know we have to work hard for each other and get the foundation of that, and then once we've done that then we know we've got the quality within the group to hurt teams."
Smith was a real standout from the action in L4, capping off a brilliant display in the opening 45 minutes with a long-range strike that broke the deadlock.
Liverpool were then dealt a blow when the summer arrival from Sporting CP was forced off at the break due to injury.
"She's still young, she's so strong, she's so powerful," Bonner said of the No.11. "She's definitely a real asset for us and you saw what she could do in that first half.
"Of course it was a loss at half-time but Mia [Enderby] coming on – another young and exciting player.
"I think it's about managing her, looking after her in the games and probably in terms of the team in how we use the ball we can probably help her a little bit better.
"There's a lot of positives but I think ultimately in the moment we're disappointed to not have got anything from the game."