Spurs 1-0 Arsenal (WSL) | Robert’s verdict: “I’m so happy for the players”
Sat 16 December 2023, 17:40|
Tottenham Hotspur
Robert Vilahamn heaped praise on his squad after Saturday’s historic win over Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – and also highlighted the influence of our fans after such a memorable result.
We produced a superb, resolute performance all over the pitch to seal our first-ever victory over Arsenal’s women’s side, Martha Thomas converting the only goal of the game shortly before the hour mark.
Goalkeeper Barbora Votikova made a series of fine saves at the other end, with our defenders and other outfield players making key blocks and interceptions all afternoon to ensure there was no way through for one of the WSL’s well-established top sides.
Almost 20,000 fans turned out to support the players – our biggest WSL crowd of the season at home or away – and Robert was delighted with their input, along with that of his players.
“I’m so happy for the girls, how we went in and showed that we wanted to win this game and do it for the Club,” he smiled. “We dared to play and we defended so well today. The goal we scored is probably the most beautiful goal I’ve seen – it was so nice, all the way from the build-up to Martha scoring, so I’m really happy.
“If you look at the character this group has and the players – how brave they are to do it – it’s amazing, but also the fans helped us today because of the noise they made and the feeling we get when we get onto this pitch is that we can beat any team here, so it’s a mixture of the players really taking steps and the fans coming and supporting us.”
After a mini goal drought in November, Scotland international forward Martha has now scored twice against Arsenal in three days following her midweek header in the Conti Cup. For Robert, she offers so much to the team.
“I’m not judging her performances on if she scored or not – she’s been brilliant since she came here,” he underlined. “She’s been brilliant in possession, out of possession, scoring goals, making assists and doing the work for the team. Today she scored a goal, she had a new mission again as a number 10 and she is brilliant, a really, really top player and she shows that every week now. I’m so happy for her because she’s been waiting for this moment and now everybody can see how good she is.”
