Jill Roord was tasked with leading the line in our Continental League Cup clash with Brighton on Sunday.
The Netherlands delivered a lively performance and linked up well with her team-mates, but we were held to a 0-0 draw over 90 minutes, before the Seagulls secured an extra point with a 4-2 win on penalties.
We spoke to Roord after the game - and this is what she said:
on the performance…
It was frustrating. We need to win these sorts of games and today we didn’t do enough from our side.
on whether we created enough in the final third…
I think it comes down to every position on the field, and I think they got some chances too. It starts at the back with the goalkeeper and ends with me as the No 9, and it wasn’t enough.
on having history as a No 9, despite being a midfielder now…
I’ve played there before, but not too much. When I was younger I was more of an attacking midfielder or a 10, not as much a No 9, but I’ve played there before.
on dropping into deeper positions to create space for others…
Yeah, that was the plan. I’m obviously not a real No 9, so I need to play in a way that works for me, which involves dropping in a little bit and allowing the wingers to run deep. I think there was enough space, but in the final phase we weren’t good enough. We made the wrong choices and didn’t execute them well enough.
on what she’s been told about the north London derby…
I heard a lot about it in pre-season when we played them! I’ve heard it’s a massive rivalry, so it’s going to be a big game and I can’t wait for it. The atmosphere will be great.
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