We were on top throughout, controlling possession and having 34 attempts on goal in the 1-0 away defeat. But The Royals defended resolutely, clearing two chances off the line and earning a fourth win in five Women’s Super League matches courtesy of a fine early counter-attacking goal - their only attempt on target.

We remain a point behind leaders Arsenal, having played one game more than the Gunners.

‘Of course we are disappointed with the performance,’ Hayes said. ‘But I also understand that three games in six days took a toll.

‘We struggled in the first half. Physically they dominated the first and second ball and that sets the tone for the game.

‘In the second half, although we had the ball for the vast majority of the time, I don’t think we created enough big chances.’

Hayes said there is a collective responsibility for the defeat - just our second of the season in all competitions.

‘It is important for the team to look at themselves too,’ she added.

‘We are in this together in the good moments and in the difficult moments like this we have to acknowledge where we haven’t been good enough and we weren’t good enough. We didn’t test the keeper enough.

‘We need the whole squad to perform at the same level, something that’s difficult when you haven’t had enough minutes and that showed.

‘But well played to Reading. It’s a great result for them and we just have to move forward.’

A draining run of fixtures following the international break saw us beat Arsenal at Wembley last Sunday to win the FA Cup and then host Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, before taking on Reading.

Hayes said scheduling three games in six games was a tough ask and we are in action again on Thursday when we look to secure a place in the last eight of the Champions League in our final group game against Wolfsburg.

‘Reading had two-and-a-half weeks’ preparation for this game and we had one day training,’ Hayes added. ‘That’s really, really hard but you just have to take it; you do lose games.

‘We weren’t at our best. We did give an opportunity to other players and I don’t think we impressed in the way we should have.

‘But I just think it’s a loss; I don’t think any more into it than that. Of course Arsenal are in the driving seat and we have to take responsibility for that. We just have to look forward as we have a game on Thursday.’