West Ham United: Women’s expert reacts to 1-1 draw v Man United
West Ham Women’s expert Michelle Irons has provided her reaction to the draw against Manchester United on 3 March.
The Hammers went behind to an early goal from Rachel Williams before a crucial equaliser from Viviane Asseyi earned her side a point with just five minutes left on the clock at Victoria Road.
Irons believes it was a “scrappy game” as the East Londoners continue to fight against relegation in a bid to retain their place in the WSL.
“It was pretty much a full-strength side against Man United, with Gorry settling in the middle very well,” Irons exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“In the opening first few minutes, we insisted on playing out from the back, which proved to be a disaster.
“Tysiak was put under unfair pressure by Arnold and that led to several Man United players closing us down. We just couldn’t get control and basically gifted them the opener with less than five minutes gone.
“It was very disappointing indeed and, if Rehanne Skinner continues to play tactics like that, we will be deeper in trouble than what we already are. This type of play needs to stop immediately.
“The game was so scrappy as Man United kept things tight in midfield courtesy of England international Katie Zelem, with their threats coming from both wings. They really utilised Rachel Williams well as she had multiple chances to see the game out but Macca held firm.
“This was the tale of the tape throughout the first half, Man United attack, we survive, we give the ball away, they attack and we survive again.
“Our play can be very frustrating. When we get the ball and play with it, we can impress with the passing from side to side from Gorry, who was our best player by a country mile.
“We have two really good centre forwards in Asseyi and Ueki, but it just seems as though we lack a player that can ignite them, someone like a Lisa Evans.
“The second half saw a few half-chances for both sides, but it definitely wasn’t a classic. Some of our chances were good, but the decision-making was questionable.
“This Man United team are average at best with good individual players standing out rather than being a team. Anyone that puts them under pressure consistently would win, I’m confident of saying that.
“West Ham brought on Emma Snerle and she’s got determination in abundance. It’s quite a shame she has had so many injuries problems, but it’s good to see her back in claret and blue.
“She needs one chance to change a game and boy did she take that chance, with all of her closing down and positioning she played an inch-perfect pass to Asseyi, who made no mistake to slot past Mary Earps.
“This was a great move by playing out from the back, which I am guilty of criticising. But when it works, it works well.
“Overall, it was a very well-deserved point against Man United and, if we had equalised earlier, it would have been tense until the final whistle.”
Next up for West Ham Women is a trip to face Liverpool Women on 17 March.
In other West Ham news, sources have claimed a Premier League manager is now in the frame to replace Moyes.
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