Penalties can be nerve-wracking for even the most experienced players, but not for Kim Little.
With the score tied at 1-1 on Sunday and Women’s Champions League qualification on the line, our captain stepped up in the 94th minute to rifle a penalty into the top corner.
We spoke to Little after the game - and here’s what she had to say:
on her emotions at the final whistle…
A little bit relieved, yeah! I think we played pretty well today, but we relaxed in the second half a bit and allowed them back into the game, which was disappointing because they weren’t in it. It’s just nice to go into the last two games of the season knowing we’ve basically got Champions League confirmed! That’s great.
on her nerves for the penalty…
Oh, fine! I don’t really feel nerves, I think that’s why I’m on it!
on our overall performance…
I think overall an away game against Everton is always going to be tough. They’ve got great players and I think to come away from this game with three points is the only thing we need to think about. In this last little bit of the season it’s been really positive with the way that we’ve played and maintained our winning streak to get what we wanted in terms of Champions League, so I’m really pleased.
on where Everton troubled us…
They sat deep initially and then they gradually moved higher throughout the game, and I think with that you need to change your game and it took us slightly too long to adjust the speed of our movements to get on the ball when they press high. They’ve got quite explosive players, so that can make it hard to build out.
on whether we should have dealt with Finnigan’s equaliser better…
Without a doubt. We knew that they’d be a threat with balls into the box and I’ll need to see it back to review it, but we can’t switch off in those moments.
on her pride at leading this team into another Champions League season…
It was so disappointing to miss out on it last year, so I’m glad to be back in it for next season! We can’t wait to get going.
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