Arsenal manager Renee Slegers highlighted the impact of Mariona Caldentey when she came on as a substitute in the Gunners’ Subway League Cup quarterfinal against Brighton.
“She’s a very intelligent player so she didn’t need much information,” she said.
“We just discussed a little bit about spaces in attack and playing to other players’ strengths and how she would use the players around her and that was basically it and then the final message is go on, bring the energy and make the impact because you’re going to make an impact and that’s what she did.
“So it’s just a few key bits but she’s so intelligent, she creates so many good situations on the pitch.”
Caldentey scored the fourth and final goal, and also had two assists, in Arsenal’s 4-0 shellacking of the Seagulls at Broadfield Stadium.
Embed from Getty ImagesHer second assist of the match was the final pass that set up a Kyra Cooney-Cross stunner that curled into the top right corner.
Slegers also spoke about the technique and finishing ability that Cooney-Cross displayed to put her side up 3-0.
“We do finishing competitions sometimes after training or at the end of training and it was the running joke there, I think it was before Christmas but she was always winning those finishing practices…so we’ve noticed in training she’s a very good finisher,” the Dutchwoman said.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was pointed out by Slegers that it’s important for her side to capitalise the way they did, scoring three times in five minutes, once the game’s momentum started shifting their way.
“It has to do a little bit with what we work on, the momentum shifts, how do you manage momentum shifts in the game and how do you make it shift in your favour,” she said.
“And I think we had very positive momentum already before the 1-0 but especially after the 1-0, so that’s when you want to keep on capitalising and that’s what the girls did really well.”
Embed from Getty ImagesFor Brighton manager Dario Vidosic, his response was somewhat profound, if not blunt, when asked how his team would move forward this season.
“Probably belief, I think that confidence,” he said.
Vidosic explained in further detail how he has seen confidence become an issue for his players in games.
“We’re probably thinking more in a negative way than in a positive way…maybe we’re a bit now tentative and a bit hesitant thinking what if I make a mistake,” the Australian said.
“We’re sort of not wanting the ball as much and then it’s hard to play when…that restriction comes upon us.”
Vidosic is hoping his team plays with more confidence in their next game, away in the WSL to Manchester United, who lost their League Cup quarterfinal to Arsenal’s semifinal opponents Manchester City.
The Gunners on the other hand will be full of confidence, having gone unbeaten in their last 13 matches.
Their last loss however did occur against Chelsea, who they face in the league in their next match on Sunday.
