Women: Arsenal Duo Reflect On Watford Spells

Dual-signed Arsenal duo Michelle Agyemang and Laila Harbert have reflected on their time at the Golden Girls following the end of their deals.

Read the interviews below...

Michelle, how have you enjoyed your time with the Golden Girls? What has been your favourite moment?

I've thoroughly enjoyed this season with Watford, facing new challenges which has really helped me develop as a player and a person.

One of my favourite moments would have to be the league game against London City in December, it was a special moment for me as it was my first league game back from injury and my first goals for the club in the Championship.

You adapted to senior football really well, how did you find the change and life in a new dressing room?

Coming into the environment at the beginning of the season was easier than I expected as all the girls were very welcoming and supportive from the beginning, as well as all of the coaches and staff, which helped me settle in early and build confidence as the season went on.

Do any matches stand out?

The league game against Durham in January. It was an excellent performance which showed the capability of everyone in the team and gave us three well-deserved points away from home. It was a great feeling to celebrate with the girls and it gave us all confidence going into the next few games.

**We've seen you score several times for the Young Lionesses this season, what does representing your country mean to you?

Representing England means a lot to me as it is such a privilege to play for your country, which has always been a goal of mine.

Transitioning between club and international football has been exciting as I've had the chance to perform in two high-standard environments and take learnings from both club and country to improve my game.

What will you take away from your time at Watford?

One of the most valuable things I've learnt and will take away from my time at Watford is resilience.

This season has definitely showed me the value of being resilient in times of adversity and working hard, no matter what comes against you.

Laila, how have you enjoyed your time with the Golden Girls?

From the moment I arrived at Watford I felt very valued here, as the staff and players have created an environment that welcomes new players and I have enjoyed being a part of that.

I have had many special moments here, but one in particular would be scoring a hat-trick in the FA Cup.

We've seen you excel in the heart of the Hornets' midfield, what has been the biggest challenge you've faced during your first season of senior football?

The biggest challenge initially was adjusting to the increased physical demands, as the step up from Academy to senior football is evident; everything is done at a higher intensity.

As the season has gone on I think results not going our way - despite good performances - has been testing at times, but makes us appreciate the value of three points even more.

I think that's something that will really stick with me, as it reminds you of what it takes to win, and how hard getting those points can be.

You had the opportunity to play against your parent club earlier this season, what was that experience like?

The Arsenal game was surreal, I don't think many people can say they've faced their parent club like that.

It was great exposure in front of many familiar faces, and a game that reminded me of the levels needed to wear the shirt, where I can reflect and work to earn that right in the future.

We've seen you captaining the Young Lionesses across a number of their camps this season, what does representing your country mean to you?

To be honest, there is no better feeling than playing for England, it is something I will never take for granted.

To wear the armband too is even better, and something I'm proud of. It has been a busy season with some schedule clashes meaning I have missed some Watford games, but everyone here has been supportive of those sacrifices and made the transition as smooth as possible to ensure both environments get the best out of me.

You've scored not only your first senior goal this season, but your first senior hat-trick. What was going through your head as the ball fell to you for the third goal?

I wouldn't say I had an aim as such, but it's always good to contribute and get on the scoresheet, so when all three came at once I was really pleased.

The third one came late and I'd had one disallowed before that, so was more relieved than anything to secure the match ball!

What will you take away from your time at Watford?

My time at Watford has improved me as a player and a person and that will stay with me for the rest of my journey.

My confidence has really grown as the coaches and players have trusted me from the start, regardless of my age.

This was a big thing for me and allowed me to feel that I play an important role in the team.

The other thing that will stick with me is the mentality to work hard to get through tough times, which makes you appreciate when it pays off and you then want that feeling over and over.