Viviane Asseyi believes West Ham United Women can find another level as they enter the second half of the Barclays Women’s Super League campaign.
The Hammers return to league action on Sunday with a tasty clash at Chigwell Construction Stadium versus Manchester City, with tickets still available for the fixture at the link here!
With the early January match selected for Sky Sports coverage, and with a passionate crowd set for Dagenham, Asseyi is excited to see how much the Irons can improve in the coming weeks and months.
A positive first-half of the season has Paul Konchesky’s side sitting fifth in the league, but Asseyi feels the team can go even further.
“I'm happy with the first half of the season because we have fought hard for the win in every game. But I also know that we can do better,” Asseyi told the Official West Ham United Women’s Matchday Programme.
“For example in the games against Liverpool and Brighton, we could have done better and had another six points on the board. But, overall, I'm pleased with what the team have achieved so far this season.
“We are only at the halfway mark and the team is in fifth place in the WSL. I think that we can do much better than that and move up the table as the season progresses.
“There is a lot more to come from this team. It will not be easy. We know that from the games that we have played so far this season, and we know that the opponents that we will face after the break will continue to present a challenge for us.
“But I still believe that, as a team, we can aspire to be challenge at the top of the table by the end of the season. I believe that we can get there if we work hard and play well.”
Not that Asseyi is discounting Sunday’s opponents. The French international knows just how tricky a test Gareth Taylor’s Citizens will be, but the forward has full faith in West Ham’s ability.
“Manchester City will be a very difficult game,” she continued. “It's not always easy to get back into league competition after the Christmas break but that's what we have to do, and we will work hard as a team to get the three points.
“I think it will be a challenging, but still a very good game for us to come into after the break. We will have to give it our everything in order to win the game and we know that it won't be easy, but if we continue to believe in ourselves then there is no reason why we cannot take all three points.
“City are only four points ahead of us in the table so they will be giving it their all too, but we have to remember that if we beat them then there will be only one point separating us. It's an important one for us to try and win.”
Since joining the Hammers in the summer from Bayern Munich, Asseyi has proven a popular addition to the squad with the West Ham faithful.
The 29-year-old is greatly appreciative of all the support shown to her since moving to east London and hopes she can repay some of the encouragement on Sunday with a win.
“The West Ham fans have been great because I have seen that whether we win, lose, or draw, they are there for us and support us. You don't see that everywhere and so it’s been really nice to experience such a supportive fanbase.
“They massively encourage the team and gives us a boost when we need it. We are really thankful for that, and we’re hopeful of putting in a good performance for them on Sunday."
