We’re looking to go into the October international break on a high with our Barclays Women’s Super League clash with West Ham United.
Our Gunners head to Dagenham with a point to prove off the back of a 4-1 win in the Champions League on Wednesday. A slow start to proceedings in the WSL means that three points on Sunday afternoon is more vital than ever.
LAST TIME AROUND
Our last trip to the Chigwell Construction Stadium ended in a frustrating 2-1 defeat. We took the lead in the first half through an Alessia Russo header, only for Viviane Asseyi and Hawa Cissoko to nab a victory for the hosts before the hour mark.
We beat the Hammers comfortably on the reverse fixture at Meadow Park, with Frida Maanum and Beth Mead on the scoresheet.
THE OPPOSITION
With just two points from a possible 12 so far this season, it’s been a rocky start to 2024/25 for Rehanne Skinner’s side. Draws against both Merseyside clubs – Liverpool and Everton – have offset their losses to Manchester United and Manchester City, but were it not for a superior ‘goals scored’ tally, the Hammers would be sitting in bottom place after four games.
Significant squad changes in the summer may have impacted West Ham’s ability to find a rhythm early on. This summer saw the Hammers say goodbye to the likes of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, fullback Risa Shimizu and defender Hawa Cissoko, as well as welcoming eight new arrivals.
West Ham finished second-from-bottom last campaign and haven’t earned a victory in the league since February. That win, however, came against us last season, meaning our squad will be especially determined to bring three points back to north London this time around.
FACTS AND STATS
- We have won nine of our 11 WSL fixtures against West Ham United, but only one of the last three. West Ham’s win last season was their first-ever against us in the league
- Lia Walti could make her 100th WSL appearance against the Hammers on Sunday. She would be the eighth player at our club to reach this milestone
- West Ham United are currently on the longest winless run in the league, having gone 13 games without a victory. Their last WSL win came against us in February
- This match could be Kim Little’s 350th for the club. Our skipper is our fourth-most capped player ever, just seven games behind Jayne Ludlow. Emma Byrne and Ciara Grant lead the way with 459 and 403 appearances respectively
- The Hammers have played 18.7% of their passes long this season, the highest ratio in the league. Meanwhile, we have played just 7.4% of our passes long
