Stina Blackstenius spoke to the press after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg today. The first three questions are from Arseblog News.
On the amount of running she had to do today…
It takes a lot, it is a tough game, they are a good opponent and we have to run a lot because we have to defend. For me, I want to be a player that runs a lot and when the game is like this, I like the opportunities to do this.
On scoring the equaliser…
I felt like I was in a good position and as a striker is is about always being in the right position. Vic (Pelova) played a really good ball and she was strong in that duel and won it and when she did, it was just about me being in the right position.
STINA BLACKSTENIUS LEVELS IT UP FOR ARSENAL 🔴⚪️
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On preparing to play in a game where they expected to not have all of the possession…
We have done it a few times before but it was different to be defending a bit more but I feel like we handle it really well. That was just how the game turned out and we just had to believe that that could be good for us too. I felt like we were strong in that and we came back into the game like that. I am very proud of how we did that.
On having the second leg in front of a big crowd at the Emirates…
It’s huge and we have everything to play for, it will be amazing to play in front of 45,000 or more in the crowd. I hope we can give them a really good game. We have a lot to play for. To get this 2-2 was really important for us to come into that game with that confidence and belief to go to the final.
On how big the goal just before half-time to make it 1-2 was…
It gave us a push. We talked about keeping on going at half-time, we didn’t really change anything and to believe in what we were doing. We did that in a good way. We haven’t played that much in a back three so we handled that well too.
On the injuries to Kim Little and Leah Williamson in the run-up to this game…
It is not only about this week, it has been a tough year for us with a lot of injuries we miss these players so much. We wanted them to be on the pitch with us but it made us want to play even more for them because they can’t be here. We try to do the best that we can, I am really proud of how we have handled this week and this year with a lot of players injured. We want them back but until then, we want to be the best that we can be.
On the team responding to big injuries…
It has made us stronger and we are really a strong group and we have really come together. We have had to come together even more and take more responsibility, we have grown as a team and as individuals. We are stronger than we were a year ago.
On playing for the teammates that are injured…
We really want them on the pitch but it’s not the case so we play for them and we want to achieve things together. They are still part of the team even though they cannot play today, so we have them in our mind and they are still with us.
great game Stina
Great result girls.
Get them back to a packed Emirates and smash ‘em.
Absolutely mate 50,000 behind our girls they don’t stand a chance
Outstanding effort, Stina!
Beautiful goal and great hold-up play for the team as well.
And how about that Lotte pre-Assist ?
Exceptional pass !!!!
Fantastic game! The strength and resilience of this team is impressive. PROUD.
With Steph Catley back from injury, there’s always a chance from a corner or set-piece.
That performance tops slotting 5 past Lyon!
This team really has found what it has been lacking for seasons and as I have said before it is mainly in their heads!
Mighty Wolfsburg looked beatable evn on their own ground and if they hadn’t been gifted their second goal they would have been beaten!
Agree 100%. What this season has taught me as a fan is that no player is unplayable and no team unbeatable. And above all, football is a team game.
Sensational performance against all expectations – so many players shone.
Beating Lyon 5:1 was phenomenal though, a truly memorable win.
Let’s focus upon the return leg at the Emirates & congratulations will really be due if we complete the aggregate victory.
Magnificent effort from every single player, squad member, staff and great credit to all the travelling fans.
Thats what makes a team.
On a side note, it’s Barca in the final but they only scraped past Chelsea and tbh looked pretty ordinary tonight.
Emma Hayes is sad … good!