Mackenzie Arnold says West Ham United must ride the momentum of Wednesday’s win over Reading into this weekend’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League match away to Birmingham City.
The Hammers travel to Damson Park on the back of a first victory of the campaign, a 3-0 result at home in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup, and are looking to make it back-to-back wins in all competitions.
After a near-perfect team performance by Matt Beard’s Irons, Arnold feels the side now need to ensure they carry the same levels into Sunday’s league clash with the Blues.
We’ve got a big week now with Birmingham City at the weekend. Hopefully we can take three more points from that and keep the momentum going forward.
Mackenzie Arnold
“I think it’s the momentum that we need to carry over now,” Arnold told West Ham TV. “The match with Reading, it was our first win, our first clean-sheet, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“We’ve got a big week now with Birmingham City at the weekend. Hopefully we can take three more points from that and keep the momentum going forward.”
Arnold herself enjoyed an excellent contest against Reading, saving Lauren Bruton’s penalty in the first half – when the score was 1-0 to West Ham – before seeing Danielle Carter’s spot kick in the second period go wide.
The Australian international registered her first clean-sheet in Claret and Blue on Wednesday, but put the accolade down to the efforts of the whole team.
“Obviously, saving any shot is a good feeling!” she continued. “I guess, fortunately I went the right way for the penalty. In that regard it was a 50/50 chance. If you can pull it off, then great. With the second one going wide as well, keeping us ahead in the game. That’s always fortunate!
“The clean-sheet was definitely a bonus, but I think that’s a real credit to the whole team. Especially the back four.
“We’ve been having a really good week of training. We’ve changed a couple of things, and they’ve obviously worked out for us. It’s great for me personally and it’s credit to the team as well.”
With the three goals netted by three different goalscorers in the midweek cup game, Arnold believes there are plenty of positives for the team to take into this weekend’s match against Birmingham City.
She added: “It was such a good team performance. It’s such a good feeling having Martha back as well. The front three put their goals away and took their chances, which helps a lot.
“We’re feeling the benefits of a really good week of training. It’s all coming together and hopefully we can keep that going.”
