06 February 2023 , 13:15
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West Ham manager Paul Konchesky admitted he is "still learning his trade" as a coach after securing a historic draw with title-chasing Arsenal.
Konchesky's Hammers took points off the former WSL champions for the first time in their history, five years on from first becoming a top flight club. Arsenal controlled large periods of the contest but with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in outstanding form, West Ham secured a landmark 0-0 draw.
The result means Arsenal have lots to do in the title race, five points off leaders Chelsea. West Ham, who defended superbly throughout the contest, remain in seventh but are only a point behind Aston Villa in sixth.
Konchesky's team have historically struggled against the traditional top sides in the WSL, but the former Liverpool and West Ham defender believes his side can take huge confidence from the result. After the game he explained to Sky Sports how he is still honing his craft as a manager and learning how to change his tactics for different opponents.
"Firstly, it is a massive opportunity for me to manage this football club," said Konchesky. "I'm a massive West Ham fan as well so this means a lot more to me than others.
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"To get a point against a big club like Arsenal along the way, it is fantastic to me. But the positivity has to go to my team and my staff.
"I'd like to score more goals. But while we're keeping them out at one end I'm happy. We do need to score more goals as well though. My gameplans have to change a little bit, depending on the team we play against. Hopefully we can get a bit more attack minded in certain games.
West Ham battled well and kept Arsenal at bay to secure a 0-0 draw (2023 Getty Images)"I've had to learn a lot and learn quite quickly as well. The gap between the top teams and the rest is getting smaller, but every game is still quite different.
"I'm still learning my trade at the moment. But I'm learning along the way, with results like tonight."
Konchesky also gave his view on the decision to not award West Ham a first-half penalty that, if given, could have seen them snatch all three points. Rafaelle clumsily upended Dagny Brynjarsdottir after she got on the end of a through ball from Viviane Asseyi, but the referee waved away appeals.
"It looked like it was (a penalty) from where I was," added Konchesky. "Even the captain said it was. But you get some and you don't get some. Overall we'll take the point tonight."
The West Ham boss was also quick to praise his teams' support, on the night the Hammers attracted a record crowd for a women's game at the Chigwell Construction Stadium in Dagenham.
"It (the support) was fantastic today. The girls had to put a big shift in. The first point we've taken off that club.
"It's a big confidence boost for the team. My mum was here - she nearly had a heart-attack towards the end! It was great to have a big crowd here."
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