InterviewShanice van de Sanden reflects on 'crazy week' and LFC Women's win over Brighton
Shanice van de Sanden expressed her delight after she capped an emotional week with a goal as Liverpool beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 in the Barclays Women's Super League.
The Netherlands international helped Matt Beard's side return to winning ways in style on Sunday, with Gemma Bonner, Ceri Holland and Sophie Roman Haug also on the scoresheet at Prenton Park.
For Van de Sanden, it was the perfect end to a week in which she and her partner welcomed a new-born baby girl into the world – a moment reflected in the 31-year-old's goal celebration.
"It's been crazy!" she told Liverpoolfc.com post-match. "I'm so, so happy.
"I can't wait to see my baby girl again. My flight is tonight, and I can't wait to just hold her in my arms again.
"It's a perfect day. Obviously the celebration is for my baby girl. I can't be more happy than today."
Liverpool came into the game having suffered back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and Manchester United, but responded impressively, delivering a performance that left Van de Sanden smiling.
"I think we did really well," she said. "I think it was our best performance of the season so far, and we have to keep that up.
"We all go to our national teams now, hopefully we come back fit and then focus on the next one."
She added: "At half-time we said, 'Girls, we are 2-0 up but it's not finished yet, so we need to be ready in the second half.' And I think as soon as we came out of that changing room we were all ready. Look at all the chances we created, it should be 5-0 or 6-0.
"I am so proud that we won this game. I'm proud of everybody and everyone who came on as well. Leanne [Kiernan] was brilliant when she came on. We need to keep doing that, [because] we have a great squad."
Reflecting on her goal, which was fired home to make it 2-0 two minutes before half-time, Van de Sanden paid tribute to Roman Haug, who provided the assist with a fine through ball.
"I am so happy that she gave me that ball!" Van de Sanden said. "I was like, 'Give me it now, I want to score!' but she gave it at the right time. I'm happy to help the team."
On Roman Haug, who capped off the win with her first home WSL goal, Van de Sanden added: "She really deserves it. I think she did great today – the whole team did – and I am very pleased for her because we need those goals and assists."
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