Spurs 3-2 Sheffield United (WFA Cup) | Robert’s verdict: “It was a brilliant comeback”
Sun 14 January 2024, 20:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Robert Vilahamn was pleased with his side’s comeback over Sheffield United to progress into the fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
There were jubilant scenes at the full-time whistle at Brisbane Road as Rosella Ayane’s goal deep into added time booked our place in the draw for the next round, but we certainly gave ourselves a mountain to climb during the second half.
Sheffield United’s Sophie Haywood opened the scoring in the early stages of the game before Jess Sigsworth doubled their advantage six minutes after the break, but a brace from Bethany England before Rosella’s late strike completed the turnaround and Robert praised his players’ character to fight back.
“It was a brilliant comeback and nice to score the winning goal in the final minute,” Robert said. “Sheffield United were really good and caused us problems, so we couldn’t get to the standard we want.
“It was a game of two halves. We were not good in the first half, and they were good, pressing us high and we couldn’t really handle it. But, it was great to see the whole squad and the substitutes coming on with their energy and Bethany leading us to that comeback.
“We didn’t need to stress in the second half as we knew we were going to play the football we wanted and the players coming on gave us something extra. They [Sheffield United] got tired but we kept going and going, and the character was great to see as it shows what this group can do.”
Bethany opened her account for the 2023/24 campaign with a clinical finish from inside the box before doubling her tally for the afternoon, calmly converting the spot, and Robert was delighted with the quality of the goals scored.
Speaking on the first goal, the boss said: “I kind of liked that Bethany got so much time as she is one of the best finishers we have in the team, so she can relax and do it very easily. The second goal is from Jess [Naz] pressing from the goal kick to win the penalty and she’s great from the spot.
“The third goal is amazing. It’s Olga with the ball in behind and the technical ability from Rosella on how she hit it on the volley was brilliant, so we scored some very nice goals here this afternoon.”
