West Ham travelled to the City Academy Stadium to take on title challengers Manchester City where they were beaten 4-0
Despite an overall strong defensive performance from the Hammers, City’s class shone through as they grabbed two goals either side of the half to claim their fifth straight win and keep it tight at the top.
West Ham now sit just two points clear of relegation as new manager Olli Harder still searches for his first league win.
One Sided First Half
It took City just two minutes to challenge Gilly Flaherty in the West Ham goal. Ellen White’s looping deflected shot was tipped over the bar.
Within ten minutes, City had their lead through a calm back post finish from Caroline Wier.
As the first half progressed, Manchester City kept the pressure on, and West Ham’s defensive shape was tested throughout. Harder’s defensive systems seemed to keep City, who put seven past West Ham on their last meeting, at bay for much of the half.
West Ham’s only shot of the game came from a clever short corner to Maz Pacheco who floated an inviting ball into the box, but centre back Laura Vetterlein couldn’t generate the power to beat the City keeper.
England internationals Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway combined for Stanway to tuck away City’s second and double their lead before the half.
More City Dominance
West Ham had a few moments of possession and pressure early in the second half, once again the set-pieces looked dangerous. This pressure, however, didn’t amount to any clear chances and was short lived as City re-asserted themselves and began to look comfortable.
Flaherty never went too long without having something to do and showed great reflexes to keep Stanway from getting her second.
Just minutes after, Flaherty was beaten by Ellen White when she got on the end of Alex Greenwood’s cross to score her seventh of the season.
After conceding West Ham’s defensive shape faltered and within five minutes City made it four when Rose Lavelle pounced onto a loose ball and beat Gilly Flaherty.
Quick Turnaround
West Ham haven’t played many games in 2021, with two cancellations already this year. But they’ve now got two days before taking on league-leaders, Chelsea, in the Semi-Finals of the League Cup.
Ollie Harder has been dealt a hard hand in his opening league games having to play Manchester City and Tottenham, but he remains positive of what he’s seen despite not having won.
“For me, I’m pleased with the attitude and the application of the girls, particularly competing all the way until the end, but for us it’s about assessing that, being realistic. We’ve got a lot of important games coming up, and overall, it is what it is.”
Beyond the cup game on Wednesday, West Ham face Bristol and the Brighton in the league giving Harder and the team a real chance of picking up some points and momentum un the league.
