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West Ham United Women's expert reacts to Women's Super League defeat v Reading
We’re delighted to welcome Michelle Irons as our exclusive West Ham Women expert. Each week she’ll be giving her views on the biggest talking points at Victoria Road…
West Ham Women’s expert Michelle Irons felt Paul Konchesky’s side switched off during the 2-1 WSL defeat to Reading.
The struggling Royals secured their third win of the season to pull further clear of the relegation zone.
Irons was “disappointed” with the performance and rued two lapses of concentration during the away defeat.
“West Ham travelled to Reading with the home side near the bottom end of the table. The Hammers are usually on the winning side when playing Reading. The Royals had ex-Hammer Brooke Hendrix on the bench after returning to England after spending time in the USA,” Irons exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“There were a few excellent chances in the first half but nothing was taken. The second half started quite tamely with much of the Hammers’ play going down the left with Thestrup making a few darting runs.
“West Ham looked settled enough as the game crept on, which is dangerous when you play a team which is struggling for points.
“The inevitable chance came for Reading with Charlie Wellings hitting a lovely shot past Arnold. West Ham failed to clear and as the ball fell to her she unleashed it.
“Konch made an instant change and brought on Izzy Atkinson and she made an immediate impact, crossing for Vivianne Asseyi to level. After these two quick goals, the game came alive with more urgency.
“West Ham really switched off towards the end of the game with Rachel Rowe taking advantage from the edge of the box. She hit it straight past Arnold to seal all three points.
“Disappointed in the team this afternoon as they just let this one slip by with two lapses in concentration again. We’ve slipped from being comfortable in mid-table to now being in Everton’s shadow.”