Honoka Hayashi has been a crucial component for West Ham United women's team since arriving at the Club in the summer of 2022.
In the previous two matches, Hayashi has shone as the Irons have picked up six points, moving themselves away from the danger of the Barclays Women's Super League (WSL) relegation places.
The Japan international ran over 12 kilometres in both of those matches, covering what felt like every blade of grass in the important victories.
Hayashi has played 42 matches in Claret and Blue since joining from Swedish Damallsvenskan side AIK, and she has enjoyed seeing the team get back to winning ways against Bristol City and Arsenal.
"I was really happy as an individual and as a team to win these two games with so many people cheering us on," Hayashi told whufc.com. "[Against Arsenal], we conceded a goal at the start, but then we concentrated and the whole team fought together. We scored two goals, we all fought together and won. It was a lot of fun."
There is a happy mood around the camp heading into a small break this weekend, and Hayashi admits that she has enjoyed her football this season, even when results might not have been going in her teams favour.
Indeed, the addition of Riko Ueki, and her fellow countrywoman Risa Shimizu has helped her with adapting to life in England.
"I think I am adapting better than in my first year and there are two other Japanese players helping me. I am enjoying life here," the No19 explained. "I am very happy to play in front of so many fans and supporters, and I love playing football with this team."
Your #BarclaysWSL Player of the Match, @2026honoka ! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/N56Ab9x4dB
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) February 4, 2024
After contesting a behind-closed-doors friendly this weekend, the Irons head to Merseyside to face Everton on Sunday 18 February at Walton Hall Park, where Rehanne Skinner's side will be looking to secure three wins in a row in the Barclays Women's Super League for the first time since the team's first season in the top division in 2018/19.
Hayashi is hoping that she and her teammates can keep the momentum going and can continue to move up the standings, with victory over Everton potentially moving them up two more places to seventh.
"We’d like to get three points in the next game again," Hayashi confirmed. "I want to win and celebrate with this team again!
"What we have built up so far is starting to show in the games, so I hope we can keep the momentum going and win our upcoming games."
