Riko Ueki has insisted her West Ham United women’s team have put our recent defeat to Chelsea behind us and are hoping to change our fortunes when Aston Villa visit Chigwell Construction Stadium in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sunday.
Despite a difficult afternoon against the reigning champions last time out, there were positives to take from the Hammers’ showing in east London - particularly in how we continued to battle with a player fewer for 70 minutes.
While Eva Nyström, Shelina Zadorsky and Amber Tysiak put their bodies on the line to block shots and goalkeeper Kinga Szemik was on hand to deny the visitors on eight occasions, Ueki, up front alongside Viviane Asseyi and Ffion Morgan, worked tirelessly to harry the Chelsea defenders, hold the ball up and create opportunities for her side.
Rehanne Skinner’s team were unfortunate not to score last Sunday, going closest through Wales international Morgan, who saw a one-versus-one effort saved by Hannah Hampton.
Speaking after the game, captain Katrina Gorry made clear there is still an abundance of belief in her side, and Ueki echoed the thoughts of her skipper.
“I agree [with Mini],” said the Japan international. “I trust everyone in the team and there’s no negativity. We’ve all got a lot of confidence.
“I’m really looking forward to the game against Aston Villa. We would like to get our first points of the season. Last weekend we lost, but we fought and found things that we can improve on. Already we’ve focused our mind on the next game.
“Chelsea are one of the best teams in the world and we created a lot of opportunities, and came close to scoring against them.”
The visit of Villa presents an opportunity to bounce back and for the Irons to return to the free-scoring form we possessed at Charlton Athletic in the Subway® Women's League Cup.
Ueki, who recently penned a new contract at the Club, watched on from the stands at The Valley in awe, as teammates Manuela Paví and Leila Wandeler struck stunning goals in our 5-1 success.
“I loved watching the goals,” she said. “I was watching with Shelina [Zadorsky] and we celebrated so much. I was so proud of them! The quality of the goals was amazing.”
The last time the Villans visited Chigwell Construction Stadium, the 26-year-old was on the scoresheet, helping to turn Gorry’s persistence into a goal with an instinctive, close-range finish. And Ueki hopes the Hammers will be able to reward the magnificent home support from the Claret and Blue Army this weekend.
“I have a good image [of scoring against Aston Villa last season]. I want to score again in front of the fans and help the team,” she said.
“I love our home games. I want to play for our fans and celebrate with them. I want them to enjoy it.”
Tickets are still available for the game at Chigwell Construction Stadium. Click HERE to gets yours!
