Julie Blakstad: “We need to learn from this game”

Julie Blakstad admitted that there was plenty of learnings after our 2-1 defeat to Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Returning to N17 after the international break, hosting the Toffees in our first meeting at our famous home, we suffered an early setback when Yuka Momiki fired low into the bottom corner to hand the visitors the lead.

While we enjoyed plenty of possession, we struggled to break down a stubborn Everton backline, registering only one shot on target before Signe Gaupset, from petty much nothing, got us back on level terms with 14 minutes left to play in north London.

Having found that all-important equaliser, it felt the impetus would be in our favour, however, on 83 minutes, substitute Kelly Gago produced a huge blow as she converted from close range and ensured the Merseyside club left the capital with three points.

Obviously feeling disappointed after the game, winter arrival Julie says ‘we were not good enough’ on the day but insisted that the group need to bounce back from the result.

“It's a tough game for us, losing here, that's not a result we want,” our number 41 told us, reflecting on the performance after the game. “But, at the same time, I think we were not good enough. We gave them a lot of opportunities to go in behind and on the transitional play, which we looked at before the game. So, we need to look back at this game and be better for the next time.

“It's always hard to come back from international, but it's the same for every team. I'm sure they also have a lot of players travelling, so I think that we need to do that better and come back and, as you say, not give them the first half away. In the second half, we start off very good and get some momentum, get it to 1-1, and then conceding the second goal there is a tough one.

“We have three really tough games to bounce back. But, at the same time, I think we need to learn from this game because what we performed today was not good enough and we want to do better for ourselves and for the fans that come and support us every game.”

Asked about playing in front of our Lilywhite fanbase at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, she added: “It's always incredible to play in front of them as they give so much support and help, so I'm really sorry that we couldn't give more. But we'll bounce back and give more next week.”