Everton Women’s head coach Jean-Luc Vasseur was pleased to see his side pick up a much-needed victory away to Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup - but still thinks they could have done better.
Everton hadn’t won in any competition since December 5, losing in their past two WSL games, but their boss hopes that they will be able to build on today's victory going forward.
“For us it was important to win, it was important to score,” Vasseur said. “I think it’s better to restart well, to break the bad momentum and start a new good momentum.”
Despite the 4-0 scoreline, and the fact that Everton were on top for almost all of the game, the Terriers defended well and goalkeeper Becky Flaherty was responsible for shutting out a number of efforts from the visitors.
Vasseur made a point of highlighting the performance of the third-tier side against WSL opposition, particularly singling out the display of Flaherty between the sticks..
He added: “Congratulations to Huddersfield because they played well, they tried to not concede so many goals. The goalkeeper in the first half made a lot of saves. I think we need to congratulate them.”
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And even though it was a comprehensive victory, the Blues boss would have preferred if his side had put the game to bed before the half-time whistle was blown.
“I think [the early goal] is good and bad because we started well and the goal arrived very quick;y,” Vassur said.
“But I think we lost the rhythm I wanted. After, the goalkeeper the made a lot of saves and I think that by the end of the first half you need to score maybe four.”
Anna Anvegard opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before goals either side of half-time from Valerie Gauvin set the game firmly in Everton’s favour, and Claire Emslie capped it off late on.
The French striker, who had not scored since November and is still yet to find the net in the WSL, was happy to finally contribute with goals once again.
“It’s really nice,” Gauvin said. ‘It’s difficult for me because I came back from my injury, I took a long time just to feel good. It’s good for the team to win today and take the confidence into the next game.”
The FA Cup is known for providing opportunities for young players, and that came in the form of a debut from the bench for Kenzie Weir for the Blues, the 18-year-old daughter of former men’s defender David.
“It’s a wonderful moment for her,” Vasseur added. "There is an academy in Everton, there is young talent so I can use this when it’s possible. Today it’s an opportunity for Kenzie to play the first minutes in her [senior] career. Now I wish her a long career like her father.”
