Jordan Nobbs is setting her sights as high as possible as Arsenal Ladies prepare to return to Continental Cup action this weekend.
The Gunners begin their defence of the new-look competition on Saturday when they face Reading, a side they have already beaten twice in the Women’s Super League this season.
This term's edition features a revised format, with the scrapping of the group stages and the cup becoming a straight knockout from start to finish.
Despite the changes, the goal remains the same for Arsenal and, having won the competition in four of the past five seasons, Nobbs is determined not to surrender it this time around.
"I’ll take every game as it comes, but if we do get to the final I will try to have the same performance as last time"
Jordan Nobbs
“It is another trophy we want to keep and a competition we want to be a part of. We have won it four times now, and that shows how dominant we are in this tournament,” she told Arsenal.com.
“We can’t take anything for granted and it shows that game-by-game we can’t slip up. We really need to take our chances so it will be another exciting campaign for us. We want to win the trophy again.”
Nobbs admits the new format will provide additional pressure, but is certain that the Gunners - who have fostered a reputation for cup success - will rise to the challenge.
“I think it always adds a bit more pressure, but that is why we have done so well in this tournament and the FA Cup,” she said. “We have got experience in that, and we have international players who are used to that pressure.
“It is always good to have that, and it makes the game more exciting for us players. If anything, you look forward to it even more."
Nobbs came off the bench to replace Marta Corredera in Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Birmingham City, playing 30 minutes as she steps up her recovery from an injury lay-off. After scoring twice as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners against Notts County in last year’s Continental Cup final, she is already dreaming of another fairytale finale.
“I have worked hard the last few weeks so it was great to be back on the pitch and be part of the team again. It was a great feeling,” she said.
“It is always hard being on the bench, it’s easy to look at the bad points but hard work always pays off. I will keep working hard in the next few weeks to stay injury-free and really look to be a major part of the finals.
“I’ll take every game as it comes, but if we do get to the final I will try to have the same performance as last time.”
Follow live updates of the game on @ArsenalLadies and by using the #ALFC hashtag on Twitter, with coverage starting from 4.55pm (UK time) on Saturday.
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