West Ham United: Women expert reacts to defeat v Chelsea
West Ham Women’s expert Michelle Irons has provided her reaction to the defeat against Chelsea on Sunday (15 October).
The Hammers suffered a 2-0 loss on the road in front of a bumper crowd at Kingsmeadow, with the goals coming from Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert in either half.
Irons wasn’t too disheartened by the result, as she said the East Londoners “held their head up” for the majority of the game and were outdone by “special” individual goals from the WSL champions.
“West Ham brought back in Emma Harries as part of our attack alongside Riko Ueki and Vivienne Asseyi in front of a huge Chelsea crowd,” Irons exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“There was an early chance for West Ham when Vivienne was streaming ahead on a counter from a Chelsea corner, but it was such a shame she didn’t get a chance to strike the ball as the Chelsea midfield had it well covered.
“We looked bright and inventive when we won possession and we found ourselves through on goal with Lisa Evans, but she hit tamely to the keeper. It was good, positive play from us. We really just needed to take our chances.
“We contained Chelsea in the first half but, ultimately, they showed their class and ruthlessness as Sam Kerr headed them in front. I feel we should have done better at the defending. She had so much room to head home and took advantage of losing possession so close to the goal.
“We did look a threat going forward and could have levelled if we had a little more confidence on the ball. Riko Ueki gives us a new dynamic.
“In the second half West Ham sat back and pretty much defended the Chelsea attack, with the occasional through ball by Evans to Ueki. I feel they have a nice understanding together and could become a real threat to teams.
“It looked like the score line would remain quite low on the occasion but for Erin Cuthbert to dance through our defence and put the game to bed.
“Overall, yes it was a loss, but we held our head up for the majority of the game and were outdone by special individual goals by the reigning champions. We look like a good team this season with the added dynamic of Riko and Emma Harries. I like the understanding between them and, with the pacey Atkinson available, we could score some goals on the break.”
Next up for West Ham Women is a home fixture against Liverpool, where they will be hoping to pick up three points from what could prove to be another difficult game.
In other West Ham news, one Hammers player could be set for a recall following recent allegations.