Impetus’ Nathan Edwards heard from Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes ahead of tonight’s Women’s Super League clash with West Ham United at Kingsmeadow (28/9/22).
Above: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes is expecting her team to build on Sunday’s second half performance against Manchester City when they take on West Ham United tonight. Photo: Sky Sports.
Emma Hayes has said Chelsea’s victory against Manchester City is “just the beginning” as they face West Ham United this evening in the Women’s Super League.
Chelsea fell to a shock defeat to newly-promoted Liverpool on the opening day, but bounced back against title rivals Manchester City the following weekend.
Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde scored either side of the interval to set Chelsea up with their first three points of the season.
Talking about that victory, Hayes said “I think you have to realise that was our second game of the season.
“We haven’t developed any momentum and the two games were sandwiched between two international camps and game cancellations so, for us, we want to build on the momentum.”
During the early stages of the season, Chelsea have failed to stamp their authority onto the matches, with it taking late into the first half to gain control of the match against the Citizens on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the West Ham game at Kingsmeadow, the Chelsea head coach reflected: “We had a good second half performance (against City) and I think I will be looking for the good things we developed in the second half and most importantly the things we are working on in training.”
As for the Blues’ opponents, they have had an indifferent start but despite heading to east London on the back of a home defeat to Manchester United, Hayes is expecting a strong response.
“They had some good form throughout pre-season and on the opening day, but it is about us focusing on ourselves and executing our strategy.”
Ahead of the kick-off against the Hammers, both teams will pay respect to Chelsea groundsman, Dave McKnight, who passed away last Sunday.
Hayes said, “Everyone is really devastated. Those close to him know what an incredible man he was, and he did everything he possibly could for our football club, and we send our condolences to his family.
“It is important we pay our respects and put in the best possible performance for him.”
impetusfootball.org 