West Ham Women have been drawn against Arsenal for their opening fixture of the 2019/20 WSL campaign.
Similarly to the men’s team, they have been handed the toughest start possible, as they face the reigning champion of England’s top flight.
The club account has tweeted about the draw:
Our opening 2019/20 @FAWSL match has been confirmed… pic.twitter.com/HWkjKz9pwT
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) July 1, 2019
Having the toughest match on paper on the opening day has split Hammers fans: some feel that it is rotten luck, while others see it as a good away day and challenge to enjoy.
West Ham narrowly lost against Arsenal in both their match ups last campaign, being on the wrong end of a 4-3 result away, then a 4-2 at home.
They did manage to draw their opening match last time around though, with a 0-0 draw against Reading, so a similar result would likely be taken again, considering the opposition.
Having now completed their first season as a professional club, West Ham will now be hoping to build on the seventh-placed finish achieved during that campaign.
While the opening fixture provided means the club won’t have the easiest of starts, they will still be hoping to get off to a successful one.
The rest of the WSL fixture list will be released on Wednesday 10th July.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the announcement can be seen below:
First trip away for me to the @ArsenalWFC #COYI
— Jo (@Griffon_lover) July 1, 2019
Bring it on
— Michelle (@MichelleIrons10) July 1, 2019
Oh look! A tough opening day fixture. What a surprise.
— Chris Burrell (@deanashtonsfoot) July 1, 2019
Perfect away day
— Mary (@ZaynafamilyMary) July 1, 2019
Can’t wait! Shame my first game as a season ticket holder is away but happy to see us pick up points anywhere. COYI.
— Mark Webster (@MarkWebster28) July 1, 2019
Nice away day COME ON YOU IRONESSES!!!!
— Reece Lammin (@LamminReece) July 1, 2019
