Interviews

Phillips: Late goals a little harsh on us

Head coach reflects on Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to Arsenal in the WSL.

By Bruce Talbot • 19 November 2023

By Kyle Hemsley
Melissa Phillips shouts out instructions during the defeat to Arsenal.

Head coach Melissa Phillips felt the two late goals Arsenal scored to make it 3-0 weren’t reflective of her team’s efforts in Sunday's WSL game.

The Gunners maintained their unbeaten record in WSL matches with the Seagulls as Frida Maanum and Caitlin Foord added goals in the 80th minute and four minutes into stoppage time. They had led from the 14th minute through Stina Blackstenius in front of a record WSL crowd at the Broadfield Stadium of 4921.

“I felt those goals made the scoreline a little unjust. But Arsenal are a very good side who have found a way to score late in games consistently,” said Phillips.  

By Kyle Hemsley
Melissa Phillips addresses her squad after the 3-0 loss against Arsenal.

“We got into some good spaces in the first half but we weren’t dangerous enough, particularly from wide areas.

“We weren’t as disciplined as we had been in the first half in switching the point of attack in the second half and there were too many turnovers, which allowed the game to be transitional.

“It was a tale two halves. We’re disappointed especially how we’ve performed previously in this block of fixtures. It’s tough but we’ll respond well and look forward to the game on Wednesday against West Ham in the Conti Cup.”