Arsenal defender Leah Williamson says the team are 'very happy to get to work' after a 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
North London fans were treated to a European masterclass under the Meadow Park lights as Mariona Caldentey scored a late penalty. Arsenal are top of the group standings.
Speaking of 90 min after the match, Williamson spoke about the moment Arsenal have won under interim management or Renee Slegers.
“Momentum creates momentum,” Williamson said. “We're setting a standard and trying to go higher. It's a lot easier to review and pick your performances when you're winning. You win, you can rotate the team, good results, everyone gets the right minutes because everyone deserves to play and then you move on.”
Despite taking an early lead, Arsenal had to make up ground in the second half as Bayern Munich went 2-1 up inside 58 minutes. The defender said that despite the deficit, she knew the Gunners would come back into the game.
“With this squad at the minute, I always feel like we're going to score, even when we're not playing the best football,” admitted Williamson. “This turn, everybody has to be responsible and step up and do their job. My job at the end is to make sure they don't score again and then the other girls have the freedom to do what they need to do. “
A scheduling error meant the women's team was moved from the Emirates Stadium to account for the men's game against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, the Arsenal faithful were sure to make Meadow Park a cauldron on the night.
“I think it's really special,” Williamson said. “You sometimes play teams and they're famous for a really good set of fans abroad or there are certain teams you want to play because you want to experience their atmosphere – I think we're one of those teams now.
“It's unbelievable and it only came to me in the warm-up when I didn't hear myself think. back to the fans, especially when they are so close and being able to celebrate with them is so much better than winning.
After a grief 5-2 defeat at FC Bayern Campus in the reverse fixture, the Arsenal side's struggle at Meadow Park was a stark comparison. Since taking over as interim manager, Slegers has led the Gunners to an eleven game unbeaten run.
“When you don't have a band manager and you have an interim, everyone becomes more accountable and everyone has to step up,” Williamson added. “Everybody is pulling their weight a little bit more and maybe we needed it.
“You've seen a different side because we as players have taken on more responsibility and she (Slegers) has just encouraged everyone to be themselves. We found a way that suited everyone and we took advantage of that.”
The England defender laughed when asked if he thought Slegers should be given the permanent job: “I'm very happy to get the job but I'm very happy it's not my decision or my role.”