Mackenzie Arnold wants West Ham Women to continue the momentum on all fronts after booking their place in the Continental Tyres League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.
The Hammers reached the last eight following a 0-0 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion, a win over Birmingham City and a penalty shootout triumph over London City Lionesses in their previous group games.
A regular feature this season, Arnold was key with a hatful of saves across a goalless 90 minutes at Broadfield Stadium, before, with the Hammers’ qualification to the last eight secured, Brighton took the extra point from a penalty shootout. And on a cold night in Sussex, the Australian goalkeeper praised her side as the Irons got the job done.
"We're pleased to be in the quarter-final," the No1 stated. "Credit to the girls for keeping a clean sheet too.
“It was not the performance we were after, but we are into the quarter-finals. It has been a difficult group, to be honest. Top of the Championship and Birmingham and Brighton as well. We did have a lot of chances [against Brighton] and we need to finish those. But keeping clean sheets gets us through and that’s the main thing."
After Conti Cup action, the Irons will turn their attention to the Barclays Women's Super League this weekend. The Hammers head to Everton on Sunday 22 January, looking to record a double over the Toffees following a 1-0 in east London in September last year.
In Paul Konchesky's first game as manager and the Hammers 2022/23 opener, Lisa Evans scored the winner. The Irons will look for a repeat of the result this Sunday.
"Everton will be a tough game," Arnold added. "But one that we want to take to them. It will be a really important game to take the three points from.
"We didn't get the three points against Manchester City, but maybe could have got a point. Everton is a chance for us to get a good start to what will be a busy period for us."
After that trip to Merseyside, the Hammers will be back in Liverpool, just three days later. Konchesky’s outfit will face Liverpool in the Conti Cup quarter-finals next Wednesday (25 January) at Prenton Park.
“It will be a big game [against Liverpool],” Arnold added. “The last time we played against them it was difficult in the league, as was pre-season. I am sure they will be up for it in the cup as well, but it is a game we want to take to them.”
After a long period on the road, West Ham United Women will be back at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday 5 February, when they welcome Arsenal to east London.
Tickets are available for a mouthwatering London derby, and can be purchased by clicking on the graphic below!
