West Ham Women's expert reacts to 'painful' WSL loss v Brighton
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham United Women’s expert Michelle Irons was left fuming after the Hammers were beaten 1-0 by Brighton in the WSL.
Kayleigh Green’s second-half strike gave the Seagulls all three points and leaves West Ham without a league win since 2022.
Irons has since reacted and rued the lack of purposeful play from Paul Konchesky’s side against Brighton.
“West Ham travelled to second-bottom Brighton with both teams struggling. The Hammers had two weeks of preparation,” Irons exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“We made a few changes with Anouk Denton coming in for Kirsty Smith and Kate Longhurst returning. Three of our regulars were benched including Shimazu, Hayashi and of course Smith.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
“West Ham had plenty of the ball but created very little and again my main gripe this whole season is our main striker is isolated and abandoned. She comes alive with that extra bit of support and creativity alongside her.
“Why is this? Why hasn’t this been identified as a problem and a solution implemented?
“Even our captain was bullied off the ball multiple times by Megan Connelly and she started the season on absolute fire now she is nowhere to be seen.
“Half time comes to us as a relief to reset and reorganise. The second half was the same, the lack of purpose in our play is painful.
“Brighton took the lead after the Hammers tried to play out from the back. The ball was snatched from Kate Longhurst’s feet and was whipped in quickly for Green to head home.
“Some tactical changes were made including bringing on a 16-year-old youth player but once again we just looked lost for ideas.”