‘We want to come out with really big attacking threat this season’ Olivia Smith speaks after Charlton victory
Arsenal were 5-1 winners over Charlton in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening at Meadow Park. Among the goal scorers was PFA Young Player of the Year Olivia Smith. She spoke to the press post-match. The questions in italics are from Arseblog News.
On her feelings about the upcoming season…
We are really excited about this season, especially with the new signings. We want to come out with a really big attacking threat this season, we want to score goals and win silverware this season.
On scoring late goals against Charlton…
Playing against a low block gives you lots of problems to solve, I think you saw we spent a lot of the first half trying to solve those and then going into the second half we knew what we had to do to break them down.
On whether she prefers to play on the left or the right…
The best part about football is being flexible, I just want to be on the pitch and to play wherever. Left or right side I have different qualities for both sides. I can either cut in or take it to the line on both sides. I am very happy to do that when I can.
On winning the Young PFA Player of the Season…
It’s a surreal feeling, especially back to back and being a foreign player. It’s super special, especially being voted for by fellow players. It feels really nice to know that I am appreciated for being the player that I am when I am so young. But also congrats to the other girls that won as well, it is really exciting for the club.
On whether there is a focus on providing more individual moments to break down low blocks…
I wouldn’t say I have any targets for goals and assists I just want to be able to contribute to the team as much as possible to win games, we don’t want to be tying or losing because we want to win titles.
On gelling with new attackers like Cerci, Reuteler and Baum…
From what you have seen from the games it is looking really exciting. It’s only pre-season, so we are still getting used to each other and learning about each other, the strengths we have. That is what is so exciting as well, getting to form new partnerships with other players.
On getting the balance right between passing in the final third and taking on the shot…
That is something we spoke about, not being afraid to take a shot when you have it from outside the box, especially when you are playing against low blocks. The edge of the box was where the space was tonight so we took it.
On Kyra Cooney-Cross’ goal…
It was super special, especially for the girls who support her so much. We are like a family so it was really special for all of us to see that moment.
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