You’ve got on the scoresheet four times this campaign – not bad for a full-back, so what’s the secret?
When I was really young, ten years old or younger, I used to play as a striker, but I played all around the pitch at that age, so it’s not something that I pursued. I’ve played as a full-back since I was 12 so why have I been scoring? Good question! I just think we’ve been performing better as a team, which has been the biggest thing, so it could have been any of us who scored those goals.
What’s been your favourite of the four?
That would have been the opening goal against Arsenal [Albion lost 2-1]. A free-kick came in from Inessa [Kaagman] and I headed home. I got to the ball first and just tried to attack it. It was nice to see it go in, given it was against such a big team and it gave us the lead, which I don’t think people would have expected. It was also live on TV and I know plenty of people back home in Finland got to see it as well.
Back-to-back wins prior to the defeat to Arsenal, after a very difficult spell. It’s been a rollercoaster, hasn’t it?
That’s just how it’s been. At the beginning we got some good results, we lost a few in the middle, and we’ve began to improve again lately. It actually felt like we were playing better in the middle than we were at the beginning, but just haven’t got the results. We’ve been unlucky in some of the games, having also played some really tough opponents, so now we just want to continue like we have done in our recent games.
One of those recent wins was 4-1 against an in-form Reading side...
They were flying, so it was our best game of the season so far. I was actually surprised how well we kept the ball at times. Usually, our best games are when we defend really well as a team, but that day we also attacked well as a team, we completed passes and were excellent throughout. It was important to get back on track after a difficult spell.
We’ve had a pretty settled back four and keeper. How important is that?
It’s especially important to have that familiarity in the back line, so we know as individuals what to expect from each other. Saying that, there’s a balance to be had because it’s also important for team spirit that all the girls are getting some game time.
What’s the target between now and the end of the season?
It’s important to keep our form going. We want to end the season on a high and pick up as many wins as we can, but if we do have games where we lose, we know we can still bounce back. Last season the team finished sixth and I think that can be achieved again. If we do manage it, then it would have been an even bigger achievement because the WSL is so strong this year. Any team is capable of winning on their day and you know that whoever you face, it’s going to be a tough game.