Everton Women manager Scott Phelan has praised the attitude and application of his squad as they look to extend their unbeaten run in the Women's Super League.
Phelan's side return to WSL action against Tottenham Hotspur in the capital this afternoon, following a 6-0 victory over Durham in the Subway Players Cup. That convincing win at Goodison Park on Wednesday night came after back-to-back draws against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Mixed Bag So Far
The Blues currently sit eighth in the WSL table with 11 points from nine games. Reflecting on the campaign so far, Phelan gave a balanced assessment.
"A little bit of a mixed bag," Phelan said. "I think we have done some good bits and some not so good bits, but I think that is where we are as a group."
"We are right at the beginning of trying to build something and develop something, but there will be teething problems and that has proved to be the case. But there have also been lots of positive moments, which we can't forget and it is important that we remember them and build on them to move forward and that is something that we are desperate to do. I think a little bit of a mixed bag, but enough to be happy with."
Positive Start Under Phelan
Phelan took charge of the side on a permanent basis during the summer, and he is enjoying the experience so far.
"It has been really exciting, just like I thought in the summer it would be," he said. "I am really fortunate to work with a great group of girls. Their attitude and application every single day really, really, stands out in this group, and combining that with some of the performances put in recently is a credit to them."
"It has been a really good experience so far and we are right at the start of what we want to try and do and achieve. I think we have made a positive enough start."
Finnigan's Return
On his side's four-game unbeaten run, Phelan added: "It has been a positive last three fixtures. We had a positive performance against Manchester United as well. We knew this run of games would be challenging, in terms of the league, but to see the players performing the way they have so far has been really encouraging."
Megan Finnigan completed another 90 minutes on Wednesday night as she continues her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept her out for 602 days.
"We have had to be careful initially, as Megan had a prolonged period out and her body has to adapt again to the challenges of playing and training again consistently," Phelan said when asked about his club captain. "That brings a different intensity and I think the cup competition has given her a real nice balance to play a full 90 minutes. But the league fixtures, we are open to anybody performing at a level that encourages us to select them, so Meg would fall into that category."
"But it has been really pleasing to see her back and come through the games because she has spent too long without football in her life and that was a shame. Hopefully, she can enjoy the cup games as they are going at the moment and lets see how the next fixtures go."
