West Ham Women expert reacts to late equaliser against Tottenham
We’re delighted to welcome Michelle Irons as our exclusive West Ham Women’s expert. Each week she’ll be giving her views on the biggest talking points at Victoria Road…
Michelle Irons has reacted after West Ham Women resumed action in 2022 with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League earlier this month.
Rosella Ayane’s penalty in 54th minute put Spurs ahead at The Hive on 16 January, and while Hawa Cissoko’s sending-off two minutes later complicated things for the Ironesses, Kate Longhurst’s late leveller saw them leave it late to snatch a point.
Olli Harder’s side did well in their first match back after one month of break, and Michelle Irons was impressed with their resilience, praising the ladies for the hard-fought draw.
She told West Ham Zone: “This game was our first game back after the Christmas break and it was nice to play in London.
“We have added young midfielder Emma Snerle to the ranks and she looked bright and full of energy.
“A well-balanced first half with chances from both teams but going in at half-time 0-0. Second half, we started well again, but we were sucker-punched by Cissoko being shown two yellows and a penalty conceded.
“Changes were inevitably made soon after with a composed performance from Lucy Parker, and she, later on, made a clearance to keep it at 1-0.
“The team kept pushing and never gave up, and it was written in the stars for Kate Longhurst to get the equaliser with the last kick of the game.
“This team keeps going and are determined to see things out; it’s such a contrast to the previous manager. The development is clear to see. A well-deserved point.”
The Hammers proved themselves again with another top performance, and they showed they could do their own against one of the title challengers.
They have already surpassed the 15 points they managed to pick up in 2020-21 just midway through the current campaign, and that is a massive improvement.
With only nine points between them and leaders Arsenal, West Ham Women can achieve a lot during the second half of the season.
They have won four, drawn five and lost two in their opening 11 games of 2021-22, and should they improve on that form in the remaining 11 games, securing European football could be on the cards.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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