Viviane Asseyi played a starring role in West Ham United women’s team’s historic first home victory against Arsenal last term, and the forward admitted claiming three points in the Gunners’ backyard would be even sweeter.
The Hammers travel to Meadow Park on Sunday following a two-week international break that saw a record 18 women’s players depart Chadwell Heath to represent their respective countries in UEFA Women’s Nations League, SheBelieves Cup, Pinatar Cup, Albir Garden Tournament and friendly fixtures.
Eighth in the Barclays Women’s Super League standings courtesy of their 3-1 success against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, the Irons go in search of back-to-back victories at the weekend.
Against the Seagulls, Asseyi was on target from the spot to give Rehanne Skinner’s outfit a two-goal cushion at Chigwell Construction Stadium and she is no stranger to converting from 12 yards for the Hammers - having clinically struck her penalty in West Ham’s 2-1 victory against Arsenal last term.
The France international’s goal was the equaliser that afternoon before Hawa Cissoko fired home from just inside the box to send east London into pandemonium.
While that was a game that will live long in the 31-year-old’s memory, Asseyi is determined to replicate the heroics at Meadow Park on Sunday, as West Ham go in search of their fifth league victory of the campaign.
“Arsenal are a very big team, but all the teams in this league are big,” said Asseyi. “It will be a hard game but we are prepared.
“I think it would be better [to beat Arsenal away from home] because it’s in their house. But my penalty against them last season was in front of the away end and I could hear of the jeers before I took it. That was just more motivation for me to score.
“The most important thing is to win. I’m a striker, so any time I can assist, score, or help the team, I’m so happy.
“Everyone is feeling good ahead of the game. I think everyone did well over the international break and the international players are used to travelling, so they know how to manage themselves.”
Following the women’s team’s game at Arsenal, there will be a quick turnaround for Skinner’s side as they prepare to host Manchester City on Wednesday night, but Asseyi is relishing the two matches in quick succession.
“I love it [having a lot of games]. When we had a lot of games before the international break, I absolutely loved it. Game, some training, game, some training, game. It’s like you’re in the Champions League, playing all the time.
“I love it, and having Arsenal and Manchester City coming up - those are the games you play football for."
