Robert Vilahamn and Bethany England on key players returning
Tue 16 January 2024, 09:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Olga Ahtinen and Eveliina Summanen made their return to action from injury in the dramatic victory over Sheffield United in the Adobe Women's FA Cup.
Eveliina – who has been out of action since the trip to Manchester City on 26 November – started in the FA Cup tie against the Blades, slotting into centre-back alongside Molly Bartrip and playing 45 minutes in her first game in six weeks.
Olga – who picked up a knee injury against Liverpool on 12 November - came on as a substitute on 65 minutes in place for Ramona Petzelberger and made an instant impact, providing the assist for Rosella Ayane’s late winner with a superb diagonal pass.
Speaking in the post-match interview with SPURSPLAY, Robert was obviously delighted to have the midfielders back available for selection.
“I’m so happy to have them back as they are really good footballers,” Robert said. “I must say, Olga in the last 25 minutes was all over the place, with high quality and plenty of energy – she was a game changer for us. I’m delighted to have them back with us and it’s also nice to see new players coming as well.”
New signings Charlotte Grant and Matilda Vinberg also made their debuts in our colours – with the Australian international starting and playing a full 90 minutes while Matilda was introduced from the bench on 65 minutes.
With new arrivals in the building and key players returning, captain Bethany England – who scored twice in the win over the Blades - spoke about the positive of having extra competition in the squad.
“We have got an abundance of quality in this squad,” Bethany told SPURSPLAY. “The signings we have made are really nice girls and they are fitting in very well, so it’s great to see them get minutes today – obviously Charli started, and Matilda came on. I thought everyone has put in a big shift.
“Eveliina and Olga also came back and it’s nice to have everyone returning, there’s a lot of competition in this team and it’s pushing us to be better every day and that’s what we need if we want to challenge the top teams.”
