The Swiss midfielder made her 150^th appearance for the Gunners last night, as she helped her team secure a place in the final of the FA Continental Tyres League Cup.

Wälti signed a long-term contract with the club on 13 December 2019, having since become a pillar in the Gunners midfield. Speaking to the media following Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, she reflected on her time at the club.

“Usually, I don’t pay much attention to these types of numbers, but 150 is a big number for a really big club. I have been having the best time during the last six years here at Arsenal, I am really enjoying my football with so many good girls around me. It is a moment to be proud and good things have happened in the past but there is still so much to go.”

Wälti praised Kyra Cooney-Cross’ performance in the semi-final at Meadow Park, discussing her on field relationship with the young Australian midfielder. 

“It is all about building relationships, and me and Kyra haven’t been on the pitch that many times this season, it was mostly her or me. Today she put in a really good shift. Attacking wise, she had big qualities for the team and especially driving with the ball.

Defensively is more my strength and I try to cover her so she can be a bit more attack-minded. But it is all about building that relationship and when she gets more minutes, she will get more confident going into bigger games. I think you can see the improvements in her game.

It is good to have that competition. That is the challenge I wanted when I stayed here last season. I wanted the possibility to improve my game and that is happening, we are all pushing each other. There is no better environment than here.”

Wälti has rightfully earnt respect from her teammates during her six years as a Gunner, having played a pivotal role during her time at the club. She spoke about the importance of giving younger players, like Victoria Pelova and Cooney-Cross, advice as they progress in their careers.

“We have all been at that point when we were younger. I think most players put more into attacking than defending when you are young. Mine and Kim’s role this season is to cover a bit more for them.

For me, it is about having to spring backwards as fast as you sprint forwards. Sometimes young players make more effort sprinting forward, so you just have to react quickly and get into a good position for counter pressing. Vic has been huge this season in that part of her game and Kyra as well. You can see she is doing so much better.”

Arsenal dominated last night’s meeting, preventing Villa from creating any worthwhile opportunities within the 90 minutes. Wälti praised her team for putting in an impressive shift.

“We watched the men’s game a couple of days ago and we all said we would like to be more comfortable at half time. We said we wanted to be on them from the start and run them over.

Today the ball went in at the right time and we took the momentum from that. Villa didn’t have the best day and we took the spaces they gave to us, and we were efficient in front of goal and that made the difference today.”

Lia Wälti will be back in action for the Gunners, as Arsenal gear up to face Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League next Friday night at Stamford Bridge.