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West Ham Women expert delighted with 'positive' Hawa Cissoko
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 United Women’s expert Michelle Irons was pleased with Hawa Cissoko’s “positive” impact in the Hammers’ 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
The midfielder has been at the heart of some controversial incidents in the 2022/23 season, particularly against Aston Villa when she received a straight red card for lashing out at her opponent.
However, Irons believes the Hammers had more of the ball with Cissoko on the pitch with Paul Konchesky’s side also looking more compact.
“Hawa Cissoko was a positive change as she matched Sanden immediately after being released by Gilly Flaherty once again down our right-hand side. West Ham had more of the ball and looked compact again and also had a few good moments,” Irons exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“West Ham had a small impact on the game but showed great character with the change that was made, however, the second half was quite dull and had no clear way to get back into the game.
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“Unfortunately, the starting 11 was probably unbalanced with Izzy Atkinson quite vulnerable against the experienced Shanice van de Sanden. This meant that Kirsty Smith couldn’t really get forward as much as she’d liked. Overall, two moments of madness resulted in the game being pretty much over in the first half.”
Cissoko continued her good form by getting on the scoresheet against Tottenham on Sunday (11 December) to get Konchesky’s side back to winning ways.
Next up the Irons will be looking to continue their impressive Continental Cup form against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday 17 December.