West Ham Women expert thrilled by 3-0 win over Everton
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 was impressed as West Ham Women secured an empathic 3-0 win over Everton at home at the weekend, singling out some players for praise.
Olli Harder’s side strolled to a win at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday (23 January), with goals from Katerina Svitkova, Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Claudia Walker getting the job done.
The victory kept the team closer to the European zone, and Michelle Irons cannot get enough of the squad’s huge growth this season given how things were in 2020-21.
She told West Ham Zone: “This game has always been a tough fixture for West Ham as both teams are very similar and have battling qualities.
“Everton signed fan favourite Kenza Dali in the summer and she started the game brightly but appeared very isolated after two of their chances hit the woodwork.
“This spurred the Hammers into action as we began to work the ball in midfield and work the flanks with Svitkova looking bright.
“She was a constant threat to Everton and really tormented them with her movement. The balance of this team is so right with Lisa Evans always looking to take the ball forward.
“Svitkova and Evans linked up so well for the first goal and the second goal tapped home by Dagny which really knocked the air out of Everton’s sails.
“Our attacking threat didn’t stop there as Emma Snerle was brought on for her second appearance in the league. She capped that off with a well-timed assist for our third goal, which was game over.
“Overall, we were in complete control of this game and never looked like losing it even conceding a goal.
“The midfield and defence work really hard for each other and each player knows their role and positioning.
“Special mention to Abbie-Leigh Stringer and Lucy Parker who I thought were both exceptional.
“This result keeps the league exciting and open, and it has to be said by me once again this is such a contrast to last season where we probably would have capitulated this game and came away with nothing.
“The improvements are clear to see.”
The Ironesses have picked up 17 points from 11 games so far in 2021-22, and that is huge given that they only managed 15 points from 22 games last term.
The four wins they have picked up in more than the three they managed last season, and while they are not title contenders, only nine points separate them from the league leaders.
It is great to see their massive improvement, and should they keep at it, they could be in the title race next season and going forward.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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