Spurs 0-3 Arsenal (WSL) | Robert’s verdict | OneFootball

Robert Villahamn admitted it was a ‘tough’ result as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Saturday afternoon.

Alessia Russo fired the visitors ahead inside the opening two minutes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before Frida Maanum doubled their advantage midway through the first half to put them in the driving seat.

Bethany England forced Daphne van Damselaar into a terrific save before the break, with the Gunners’ goalkeeper tipping our captain’s effort over the bar while at full stretch, but substitute Stina Blackstenius wrapped up the victory in the second half as she netted the third goal just two minutes after entering the pitch.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY, Robert gave his assessment on the game: “A tough result, tough not to make our fans proud and happy… it’s a tough loss.

“It was a tough start, we had a few chances in the first half to get ourselves back in the game but it was not good finishing while we defended a lot and we didn’t really nail that, so the first half was disappointing.

“The second half was actually so much better,” he added. “The players showed the attitude that fans want and we felt we tried to get back in the game.

“We were a little bit unlucky when we did a change in formation and they scored a goal in that moment but, after that, I’m quite proud of the players, they tried to press high and tried to go for it, and the fans were part of that in the last 25 minutes. If you look at that, it shows good character and I hope the fans can see that but, obviously, it’s tough to make them disappointed today.”

Over 28,000 were in attendance in N17 and they provided a fantastic atmosphere throughout the game and, despite the current run of tough results in the WSL, Robert was keen to highlight the growth off the pitch but also the development needed on it to close the gap at the top of the table.

“When you have tough times and lose games, you need to make sure you see the whole picture,” he said. “We know we have a big journey ahead to beat these top teams in this league, we had a good last season, struggling a little bit now and that has hurt us and our self-confidence but, I think, we need to look at the fanbase and see the supporters here, we’re growing.

“The results are not perfect, but the fans are here and the players played bravely in the second half, so trust and believe in it as it takes time to build something really good.”

Watch - Vilahamn's honest reflection on Arsenal defeat