‘It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders’ - Rosella Ayane

Last Sunday’s (13 December) 3-1 win against Aston Villa saw Spurs Women record back-to-back victories for the first time since September, 2019.

It was also a landmark occasion for forward, Rosella Ayane, who scored her first Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) goal for the Club with a right-footed strike in the 63rd minute.

The forward had previously scored against her former Club, Chelsea, in a Continental League Cup tie back in November, 2019.

After a stop-start year, Rosella expressed her relief to get off the mark: “It’s been a long time coming,” she said. “It’s a relief to finally get my first WSL goal for the Club and credit to everyone who has been pushing me for the last 16 months. I’m really happy to score and we’re back to winning ways now, that’s the main thing.”

Also on the scoresheet was two-time World Cup winner, Alex Morgan, who slotted home her second goal for the Club from the penalty spot. For Rosella, the opportunity to play and train alongside one of the world’s best forwards has been an invaluable experience.

“Alex is a great player to learn from, the accolades that she has to her name are incredible. When she is speaking in meetings you pick up on little things and her movement on the pitch is world class,” explained Rosella. “Watching her in training you pick up on little habits of hers and she’s given me tips. She’s been a great person to have around on and off the pitch.”

Sunday’s victory marked two consecutive 3-1 wins under Rehanne Skinner and Rosella was full of praise for the impact the new Head Coach has made.

“Rehanne has lifted every player individually and instilled a confidence which I think you can see from how we’re playing together,” she commented. “She has fresh ideas and it’s been a really positive start.”

After a tumultuous year, with six points on the board from the last two games, the team are starting to find their feet in the league after a difficult start to the season.

“As a team our aim is to finish in the top half of the table,” Rosella said. “It’s been a difficult start to the season and we’re grateful that we’ve got the opportunity to continue playing despite the pandemic, but we want to keep picking up points and move up the table.

“For me personally, my aim for the New Year is to keep scoring goals and provide assists. As a forward, one goal is not good enough, especially with the calibre of players I’m playing with, so I hope to get some more goals to my name.”

Rehanne’s side are hoping to keep momentum going into the Christmas break and although Sunday’s (20 December) opponents Chelsea will provide a stern test, the aim is to finish the year on a high.

“They are a world class team, one of the best in the world at the moment. It will be a tough game no doubt, but when we played them in the Continental Cup a few weeks ago, we put on a really strong performance and were unlucky not to get a result,” Rosella continued. “I think if we are well organised and show what we can do then it will be a good game.

“2020 has been a whirlwind year for everyone and to go into the Christmas break with three points under our belts, especially against a team like Chelsea, would be a great way to end the year and hopefully we can carry that momentum into 2021.”