Women's

Powell's praise for surprise package Everton

Hope Powell says today's Super League opponents Everton have been a surprise package this season, but wants Albion to right the wrongs after losing to them earlier in the season.

By James Hilsum • 02 February 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Hope Powell speaks to the media ahead of Sunday's game.

The Merseyside team currently sit fifth with 18 points having recorded six wins this season, and Powell says it is vital that her side learns the lessons from the last encounter back in October, which Everton won 2-0.

She said, “They’re having a very good run after playing some nice football, but more importantly, they are getting the results.

“They are a team that’s full of confidence and we know it will be a tough game. When they beat us 2-0, we didn’t perform. We only started to play in the 28th minute, which is too late. Their league position tells everyone that they’re doing better than expected, and that’s credit to [manager] Willie [Kirk] and what he’s done.

“We recognise it will be tough, but we’ll give it a really good go."

01:30

MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required

An existing MyAlbion+ membership or season ticket is needed to view this content. Please note that new memberships take 24 hours to be active to view, registering today for Luton Town match streaming will not be valid in time.

Women's Goals: Aston Villa 2 Albion 3

Albion head into the game on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 win over Aston Villa in the Women’s FA Cup, and Powell hopes this will spur her players on going forward.

“Winning games changes your mindset, because everyone arrives at the ground feeling happy on a Monday morning," she said. 

“Coming here when you’ve lost is not very pleasant. The girls want to win and they work incredibly hard, so they want to see the rewards from that.

“The hard work pays off whenever you win a game, and it’s a confidence boost for the next one.”

11:13

MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required

An existing MyAlbion+ membership or season ticket is needed to view this content. Please note that new memberships take 24 hours to be active to view, registering today for Luton Town match streaming will not be valid in time.

Powell's Everton Press Conference

The Albion manager also spoke about the progress she has seen among all of her players and stressed again the need to be more clinical in front of goal so that the team’s results match their impressive performances.

She said, “We’ve definitely progressed in what’s been a really tough league for this set of players, in terms of the previous levels they’ve played at.

“The players have improved both on and off the pitch, and I would say they’re better both physically and mentally.

“We are progressing in the right way, but where we are lacking is when it comes to finishing.

"We’ve played very well against the likes of Manchester United, who are a top team. We should have won the game against West Ham with the clear-cut chances we created, so it’s just about putting the ball in the back of the net. We need to build on the good work that’s already been done and ensure we keep pushing the players to improve.”