Vyan Sampson says West Ham United must not be too concerned with how Arsenal FC Women set-up in Sunday’s match, and need to focus on their own game in order to better the Gunners.
Sampson and her teammates will come up against her old side this weekend in the FA Women’s Super League, having claimed a draw with Reading in their first league game in the top flight.
The centre-back knows that the Hammers can take pride in the point taken from Wednesday’s game, and feels the team need to concentrate on their own performances rather than worry about Arsenal’s form.
“Looking at Wednesday’s game, it was a very good point,” Sampson said. “The way the game went as well, I think we will happily take a point from it. We created a lot of chances and we’ve got a lot to be proud of.
“I think, although Arsenal have started well, we just need to take care of ourselves. We need to focus on us and see what happens from there.
Although Arsenal have started well, we just need to take care of ourselves. We need to focus on us and see what happens from there.
Vyan Sampson
“I think the biggest thing we can take from the Reading match is how we fought together and as a unit. This is a new campaign for us but it’s been nice to see everyone step up and take the game to Reading. We now need to do the same against Arsenal.
“Arsenal are a team that have had a core group of players for years whereas everything is new for us. We have to focus on us and keep moving forward.”
The defender moved to West Ham last season after leaving the north London side, and feels she learned a lot about herself despite struggling to break into the Arsenal team.
Sampson reflected: “I didn’t get to play too much at Arsenal but, with my injuries, I did learn a lot.
“I learned how to be more mature, more professional and put my needs first, and how to take care of myself better. It was the little things that I learned, that are just as important as the stuff we do on the pitch.”
The 22-year-old is battling with captain Gilly Flaherty and Brooke Hendrix for a starting place in the team, but Sampson is relishing the competition of earning a spot in the side.
The defender is loving life with the Irons and hopes to continue improving.
She added: “This is the first situation I’ve been in where we’ve been fighting for places but it doesn’t necessarily feel like a competition. I feel really close with all the girls and we have each other covered.
“We rotate in and out of the drills and we’re always encouraging and helping each other. It’s all positive and we know whoever is playing is going to do the job, but also know that we will step in to do the same if we need to. We’re really enjoying the process and it’s been a great journey so far.”