Robert Vilahamn insists Tottenham will learn from Women's FA Cup final defeat

Tottenham Hotspur boss Robert Vilahamn believes his players will take plenty of lessons from their Women's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

Both teams were on the brink of history at Wembley Stadium, but it was United’s day just 12 months on from their own FA Cup heartbreak against Chelsea. Goals from Ella Toone, Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams made it an afternoon to remember for United and one to forget for the Lilywhites.

Spurs were always underdogs heading into the showpiece, not least because United are a team they are yet to beat. However, it’s been a positive campaign for the north Londoners under Vilahamn and their place in Sunday’s final is a testament to the progress made in such a sort space of time.

However, much like last year, experience made the difference. Marc Skinner’s side had been there and suffered, meaning they had extra impetus to get over the line this time around.

Vilahamn believes his team will learn similar lessons moving forward and can use the pain they feel in the moment to spur them on in the future.

"It's not fun to lose,” the Tottenham boss said post-match. “Man United had a really good game.

"When you play a final, more teams don't play in a normal way. You feel in your body that something extra is going on. Most of the United players had an experience last year.

"We're going to learn from this and I think all the players will realise how their players work when we play in these kinds of games. We want to have these big games. 

"Very tough to lose, but I'm always looking at it like a learning process. We're already at Wembley and this is good for the future."

One of the key moments of the game involved Spurs goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer. A lapse in concentration saw the 33-year-old shot-stopper misplace a pass straight into the path of an onrushing Garcia.

With an empty net to aim at, the United forward calmly finished her side’s third goal of the afternoon. It proved to be a pivotal moment as it came so soon after the Red Devils' second goal, giving Spurs a mountain to climb if they were to mount any form of a comeback.

"I'm supporting Becky because that's how we want to play [out from the back," Vilahamn continued. "That's showing that she's brave enough to do it.

“Unfortunately, it happened in a final that she gave the ball away, but she will come back. Next time she should be even braver from that, but we're learning from this.

"I'm taking that goal on me because that's how I want her to play. The goalkeeper will make mistakes every year when you play like this. I'm going to make sure I help and support her on Tuesday. She's a very mature women and she will solve this. I know that. I will tell her that as well."

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