Leicester 1-1 Spurs (WSL) | Robert's verdict

Robert Vilahamn felt it was ‘a big step forward’ as we played out a 1-1 draw with Leicester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sunday.

Despite having a number of opportunities in the first half, with Janina Leitzig in inspired form to keep out Ella Morris and Martha Thomas, it was the hosts who found the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second period when the ball bounced off Josefine Rybrink to give the Foxes the lead.

But we were back on level terms just seven minutes later when Drew Spence converted Jess Naz’s cross with a composed volley into the bottom corner and following the equaliser, we had our chances to win the game at the King Power Stadium.

Eveliina Summanen struck the crossbar with a free-kick before, in the final seconds of the game, substitute Olga Ahtinen saw her corner come off the post as it just wasn’t meant to be, seeing us leave Leicester with the points shared for a second season in a row.

“It’s a point, it’s better than the last games we’ve had,” Robert told us after the game. “To be honest, we were playing some really good football, we were dominating the game, we were playing the way we want to look and we created a lot of goal chances, scored one that’s beautiful as well, so in one way it’s a big step forward in how we want to look and perform.

“But we’re still lacking the final product in some moments, we had so many good chances but, performance-wise, it's one of the best for a long time.”

Robert on the reaction after going a goal down…

“It showed some character from this group. We had lost a few games, they then scored from an own goal and we could have stopped there, but we came back, played some good football, scored a goal, hit the crossbar and everything. So the girls are doing amazing stuff to make sure we get back on track and I think everyone brought it to the table to play for the Club.”

Robert on the goal from Drew Spence…

“I think we can learn from that finish by Drew, that’s how you have a controlled finish, basically passing it into the goal, we have sometimes been stressed when we shoot and I think we need to get on the end of these chances and have the quality that Drew has because we need to finish a few more of those chances but, on the other hand, it’s a big step forward.”

Robert on being more clinical…

“That’s how you need to work as a coach, when you’re losing a few games in a row, it doesn’t look good, but now we've had two games where we had the possession, had the chances, we created a lot in this game, but obviously we aren’t happy. We need to win these games, we should win them, we need to be better, so I’m aware we need to develop because we’re expected to win here, I want to win this game. But where we are right now and where we want to go, it’s a good step forward to make sure we end this season in a good way.”

Robert on the work during the international break…

“We will have around four players who aren’t going so we will use a lot of time with them to make sure we see and speak to them and we actually train in this phase we’re in now, so they can come back with the rest of the team, then with Aston Villa in two weeks, everyone will be ready for that game.”

Watch | Robert reflects on the draw with Leicester