West Ham United: Women’s expert reacts to loss v Everton
West Ham Women’s expert Michelle Irons has provided her reaction to the defeat against Everton on 18 February.
The Hammers fell victim to two late goals from Martina Piemonte and Aurora Galli as the duo handed the Toffees a 2-0 victory.
Irons believes the defeat on Merseyside was a “hammer blow” as the East Londoners find themselves in a relegation battle to stay in the WSL this season.
“It was pretty much a full strength side from West Ham as Everton were looking for their first home win this season,” Irons exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“Gorry started in the middle and she didn’t hang around. She was active and full of energy as expected. It’s clear she brings so much quality to our side in terms of tempo and passing quality.
“In addition to this, I believe she really brings out the best in Hayashi, who has had a bit of an up and down season. Her qualities lie when bursting forward and finding that killer pass.
“The first half was as expected. It was a dogged battle as both teams are very similar. At points West Ham were the better side and really switched the play from side to side to stretch the game.
“It was a clear game of chances taken and Rehanne Skinner made a very unusual change during the second half by replacing Riko Ueki. That really threw me as she was a real threat up front.
“It didn’t seem as though she was carrying a knock, but that changed our dynamic going forward. After this change, the tempo slowed from West Ham and Everton grew into the game.
“Inevitably, Everton took their chances with two quick goals in succession to deal us a hammer blow and steal three precious points from right under our noses.
“Two goals in three minutes sealed out fate and we left with nothing to show from our good work in the first half.
“The change by Skinner to substitute Ueki turned the game on its head. Vivienne Asseyi and Ueki are a great duo and have a great relationship. We need both of them on the pitch together to grind out results.
“A real missed opportunity as we should – and could – have won this game. It just puts a tad more pressure on us with big teams coming our way and we still are looking over our shoulder at relegation.”
Next up for West Ham Women is a home game against Manchester United Women on 3 March.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have denied what anonymous sources have said about Moyes.
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