Marc Skinner wants his team to "enjoy the pressure" as his Man Utd side head for the WSL title run-in.
This time last week it looked as if the wheels might finally come off United's surprise title charge, when they were being held 2-2 at Aston Villa going into injury time. But when Millie Turner nodded home a last gasp Katie Zelem free-kick, there was a feeling that momentum was still firmly with Skinner's side, who are still the hunt for both the league and FA Cup as they aim to win a first major trophy.
The high fliers host Spurs on Sunday, with the London outfit desperate for points themselves as they aim to avoid relegation from the top flight, following a 2-2 draw at home to fellow strugglers Brighton last week. And Skinner doesn't believe the heat will be too much for his team as they begin a crucial run of games.
"We've toughened, that is the reality," he said. "We've won it late on many occasions now (referring to the win over Villa) I think that is the sign of a team that is learning and growing.
"I’m so looking forward to this one and our players deserve to be performing in these games. We’ve equalled our best-ever points tally with three games to go.
"We’re in an FA Cup final making history, we’ve had the best clean sheet record, joint-best defensive record, best goalscoring record. For me, this team should go into these last [four] games and enjoy every minute and I’m going to remind them of that.
"I feel I’m dealing a lot better with pressure than I have done previously, if I reflect. We're used to dealing with pressure and I expect my team to turn that into a privilege. We've got four games to give absolutely everything. If it is meant to be, it is meant to be."
Skinner also believes there is plenty of pressure on his opponents, but doesn't expect an easy games despite Tottenham's lowly league position, sitting only three points off the drop spot. United did win the reverse fixture earlier in the season, but only after a late Molly Bartrip own goal.
And another three points against Spurs would ensure United put the pressure on Chelsea to match their result, when they host Everton later in the day.
"They're ( Tottenham ) going to try and pick up points," added Skinner. "There is a pressure on Tottenham. They are going to try and get points, whether that is by frustrating us, or by playing on the front foot and being aggressive.
"Whatever strategy they use, there is pressure on them to get some points. The bottom is extremely tight and Leicester are putting pressure on everyone in that situation."
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
