West Ham United: Women’s expert reacts to draw v Brighton
West Ham Women’s expert Michelle Irons has provided her reaction to the goalless home draw against Brighton on 31 March.
The Hammers had the better of the chances throughout the game, but they couldn’t quite find the crucial goal against a Seagulls side who have been improving in recent weeks.
Irons believes the East Londoners need to be “more clinical” in front of goal despite taking a step towards securing their place in the WSL next season with the point.
“West Ham hosted Brighton looking for their first win in four games,” Irons exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“Harries and Snerle came in for Gorry, who appeared to have damaged her ankle against Chelsea last time out. It’s now been revealed via social media that she will require surgery. It’s anticipated she will be out for the season, which is a huge blow for us.
“Looking at this fixture, it’s a game we should be winning, especially at home. There wasn’t much to report on as it was a hard-fought stalemate.
“The tale of the tape from West Ham’s perspective is that we didn’t take our chances and we need to be more clinical in our shots and opportunities.
“Ueki and Hayashi both had clear-cut chances, with the latter producing a wonderful volley that was denied by the Brighton keeper. Maybe she could have taken a touch and then hit it.
“The teamwork between Ueki and Asseyi is a positive and has been all season. But in all honesty, it should be gearing towards the next level now.
“We are at the business end of the season and they should be more in conjunction with each other. I’d like to see this relationship continue into the new season. I think we are missing a creative type of midfielder to complement Emma Snerle.
“We could be safe after this point gained, we will see.”
Are West Ham Women safe from WSL relegation?
It was a game that West Ham would have been targeting for three points in their bid to stay up this season, but a point against Brighton perhaps wasn’t the worst result.
It’s been a disappointing campaign for the Hammers as they find themselves second-bottom in the WSL, seven points above Bristol City.
That gap is probably going to be too much for the Robins to make up over the final few games, so the Irons are likely to be playing in the top flight again next season.
In other West Ham news, David Sullivan has been blasted over his “ridiculous” comments in response to a Hammers controversy.
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