Spurs 1-1 Brighton (WSL) | Robert’s verdict: “The draw is good when you are down by one”
Sun 28 April 2024, 19:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Robert Vilahamn praised the impact of the second half substitutions as we fought from one goal down to secure a point at Brisbane Road after a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
We have showed plenty of character in our last two games – coming from behind to beat Leicester City in the semi-final of the Women’s FA Cup while picking up a point at Manchester United after conceding early on – and it was the same story on Sunday afternoon.
Elisabeth Terland put the Seagulls ahead in the 17th minute after converting from close-range on the rebound and it took us a while to react, but, after a number of changes in the second half, including the introduction of Ashleigh Neville, we grabbed the equaliser in the closing stages of the game.
Ashleigh played a key part in the goal as her inch-perfect cross from the right was met by Bethany England and she guided her effort over the goalkeeper to find the back of the net in the 81st minute, making it three goals in her last three WSL games.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY after the game, Robert was admittedly disappointed to not pick up a victory but was delighted with the energy from the players coming off the bench.
“In one way, very disappointed,” the boss when reflecting on the game. “I really wanted to have a win and, I think, we started the game very well but after their goal, they actually had some good moments and we didn’t get back into the game until the last 30 minutes or so. The draw is good when you are down by one, but it’s also disappointing when you are not winning.”
Asked about the impact of the substitutes, he added: “They were crucial that they came in with that energy, we didn’t start the second half well with our energy and, when they came on, they gave us that and all the players on the pitch also started playing their football again, we created some good chances and that was a really good cross from Ashleigh.
“It was also nice to have Molly [Bartrip] back on the field and get some minutes there. On the other hand, I thought we played well at the beginning, Charli [Grant] had an amazing chance, so it was not like we had a bad first half, but we need to learn to protect the box better with that cross.”
It was milestone for Jess Naz as she made her 100th appearance for the Club in the draw with the Seagulls and Robert spoke fondly of the 23-year-old’s performances this season.
“She has grown with the team,” he said. “She has been at this Club for many years and grew from semi-professional level to this level, now she is starting games, creating chances, pressing and very athletic, but is also a very cool player.
“I love working with her and her journey this season has been amazing and I feel she has another level in her and that is going to come soon, I think.”
