This weekend Chelsea Women return to the Barclays Women’s Super League and remain on the road as we travel to take on London counterparts West Ham United. Emma Hayes is not taking the opposition lightly and thinks it will be another tough contest on Sunday.
The Blues have won four games on the bounce, a run which began after drawing 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion in mid-September.
We went onto win 2-0 against West Ham in the Continental Tyres Cup a week later and although we got the victory, it was a frustrating first 45 minutes, with our finishing touch lacking. However, the Blues took the game to the Hammers and scored two second-half goals courtesy of Bethany England and Guro Reiten.
‘That West Ham game was instrumental in that start of our good run of performances,’ Hayes says.
‘It was a closely contested game, West Ham had an equal number of chances and showed qualities that they have but we are clinical enough to win against a very aggressive opponent.
‘We have built from that game and certainly have built upon every game we’ve played. We’re improving and with that comes our level of expectation of each other.
‘Our focus and concentration is back on the league and the good run has given us a lot of confidence, but our feet are firmly on the floor.
‘We have got to concentrate on improving in training for our performances at the weekends,’ Hayes continues.
Having beaten league champions Arsenal a fortnight ago, we are two points behind Manchester City who are currently unbeaten. Despite being in arm’s length of the top spot, Hayes insists team performances are her main focus rather than the points.
‘It’s about getting everything right for the build-up to the game so we’re in the best position possible and that is where our focus is. A game is played over 90 minutes and the important thing is the result at the end of it. So for us, as long as we’re winning games, how we win and get to that point is a process, but as long as we win the game.’
Hayes also discusses the quality of players that Matt Beard has brought into his West Ham side and knows they pose a threat going forward.
‘West Ham have built a really good team full of internationals, they are still clicking and gelling, but they have got quality.
‘If you just look at the last game, they produced a lot of opportunities so we’ll have to make sure our defensive presence and our attacking play are there as a collective. If we have those things I expect we will give a good performance on Sunday.’
Chelsea’s next home game is on Sunday 17 November when we welcome Manchester United for the first time ever. Kick-off is at 3pm and tickets are priced at £9 for adults and just £1 for juniors (aged under 20) and seniors (aged over 65).