1. A first ever victory against the Gunners
This was the 13th meeting between the two sides, with the Gunners winning the previous eleven and there being one draw, with that coming almost a year to the day of Sunday's fixture.
Rehanne Skinner’s side have run it close with the big sides already this season, pushing Arsenal well in defeat in the reverse fixture, and then forcing Chelsea to extra-time in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round in January.
But Sunday’s fixture felt different. Those out in the pitch in Claret & Blue put their bodies on the line throughout the contest to deny Arsenal time and time again. And whilst the Hammers did do plenty of defensive work, they were able to create opportunities too as they picked their moments to move forward.
All of that hard work helped to secure a first ever victory against the 15-time champions of the top division. There was an electric buzz around Dagenham as referee Melissa Burgin sounded the whistle and brought a brilliant game to a close.
2. Vivi's milestone
Viviane Asseyi has been in superb form since the turn of the year.
The Hammers No20 has scored four goals in five matches in 2024 and showed brilliant composure to slot her penalty kick beyond Manuela Zinsberger to bring the game level on 50 minutes.
That goal officially made Asseyi the highest scoring French player in Barclays Women’s Super League history, moving onto eleven goals in total and surpassing former Hammer Kenza Dali in the process.
The forward has adapted to life quickly in England, notching 12 goals in total since joining from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022.
A game to remember 🫶
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) February 4, 2024
Never-say-die! 👊 pic.twitter.com/rYvQpo5yry
3. Another London derby goal for Hawa
Hawa Cissoko loves a London derby winning goal.
After watching her best friend Asseyi score from the spot, Cissoko decided to try her luck with her weaker left foot from just inside the box after Zinsburger had punched straight into her path. The strike nestled in the back of the net as Cissoko raced away to the West Ham bench to celebrate with players and staff.
We’ve seen this before from the tenacious defender. In December 2022, Cissoko clinched a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Brisbane Road with an audacious chip that many a forward would have thought twice about attempting.
“It’s in this kind of game sometimes, I just don’t know who I think I am,” the defender laughed when speaking to West Ham TV after the game.
“I scored against Tottenham last season, and now today against Arsenal. I scored with my left foot, and I didn’t even think about it when the ball came over to me.”
4. Back-to-back wins
Sunday’s result felt like a culmination of six months of perseverance and hard work.
Under Skinner, West Ham have impressed with their performances, but have often walked away without the points. That feeling of frustration has disappeared after back-to-back wins in the WSL for the first time since October 2022.
Shrewd business in January has galvanised her side, with Katrina Gorry adding energy and grit in midfield, whilst Shelina Zadorsky has brought calmness and confidence to the backline. Kristie Mewis continues to make her way back to full fitness and Marika Bergman Lundin made a short cameo in the victory – things are looking bright for the remainder of the season.
Skinner has her side fighting for every blade of grass, as shown against the Gunners, where Jonas Eidevall’s team were not given a moment's rest.
The vibes at full-time were immaculate ✨ pic.twitter.com/7iqgZNaHy3
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) February 4, 2024
5. The West Ham faithful
Some 4,172 people were inside Chigwell Construction Stadium to witness the historic win on Sunday, the largest number of fans who have ever watched the women’s team at Dagenham.
The supporters cheered the team on to a first home league win since December 2022. It was a victory that they’ve waited a long time to see, but one they will savour for a very long time.
Skinner praised the impact of the fans during her post-match interview, saying: “The fans were outstanding and helped keep the players on task.
“They were massively supportive today and towards the end of the game I thought they were outstanding and made sure we stayed on task and cheered us on. That makes a massive difference when you’re playing against teams like Arsenal.
“I’m so glad that we have given the fans a home win as well. It’s been a long time coming but to do it against Arsenal is a massive plus. It’s important to keep building our fanbase as they’re a massive part of what we are trying to do, and we need more here, all the time.”
