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West Ham Women expert: Hammers can be a match for top three WSL sides
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 expert Michelle Irons believes the Hammers can be more than a match for the “top three” sides in the WSL in the 2022/23 season.
The Irons have started the season with one win and two defeats in their opening three matches and are currently ninth in the league standings.
Their latest defeat came at the hands of Chelsea as Paul Konchesky’s side went down 3-1 to the reigning champions. However, Irons believes that West Ham can mix it with the top teams.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone she said: “Overall we approached this game in a very positive manner. We are united and don’t appear to be intimidated by the so-called “Top 3”. There is a divide starting to appear but I am hopeful of some surprising results.
“Lucy Parker and Hawa Cissoko were once again a combative partnership. Our strengths come with the work rate of Dagny knitting it together and the added attack of Kirsty Smith. Vivianne Asseyi works so hard off the ball and Mackenzie Arnold is a top-class keeper.
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“The defeat to Chelsea was a tough one as I think we played well at times but they just purely showed their class. Sam Kerr is an amazing player with great feet. She was just too strong and determined and there was no doubt she would get on the scoresheet as we gave her too much space.“
The Hammers now face a tough test against third-place Aston Villa before they host bottom-placed Reading at Victoria Road.
Konchesky will be hoping for at least four points to propel the Hammers away from the relegation places and into nearer the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the table.