It has not been a journey so far being a West Ham fan this season. So much so my other half who until meeting yours truly had followed Man City, asked me in all earnest why did I make her care about them. In all honesty, I am sorry all though not that sorry.
The last time we played Manchester United it was a thriller of a match which resulted in a late 3-2 win for the hammers. Readers I am hopeful, I am although it might be a little naive.
Starting the first half Manchester United came out all guns blazing the promise of going top a great motivator. Russo having a shot from kick-off, the England youngster trying to add to her ever-growing tally. Luckily Arnold managed to get low to save the Hammers from going down so quick. Manchester United carries on the frenzied attack which through the Hammers defence proved fruitless.
The Red Devil’s didn’t have to wait too long or have to have too much patience for their first goal. Once again it was wonderkid Russo who scored a poachers goal to say this least Galton managing to keep the ball in play and Russo loops it in. 1-0 to the visitors and frankly all West Ham fault. Sloppy defensive play from West Ham leading to their own downfall. Three minutes later the pain deepened with a Tobin Heath special. West ham having the dubious pleasure of scoring her first goal in the English league. Once again West Ham key figures in their downfall giving the ball away to a dangerous player and in a dangerous position. The end result being as predicted. 2-0 to the visitors and West Ham looked done already.
Lots of back passing and box to box play resulting in very little. Resident battle axe Kate Longhurst and Leah Galton clashing heads. Lots of concussion checks, lying down and reciting the alphabet. The end result was Longhurst wearing a fetching gauze bandana.
This seemed to kickstart the Hammers with Leon’s fancy footwork almost clawing back one from the deficit. It fell to Dali to get yet another assist, this time a quickly whipped in cross finding the head of Emily van Egmond. Bouncing past Mary Earps’ outstretched hand. 2-1 West Ham were back in the game.
This hopeful feeling lasted all of 3 minutes when Russo scored another poachers goal. West Ham once again taking their eye off the ball and a scrappy goal from the visitors. But a goal is a goal is a goal. We troop off at half time still trailing by two goals
Second half we would hope we would come out with all guns blazing to get back in the game. We tried goodness knows we tried. Leon causing Earps some misery but couldn’t make the connection. It was here that Matt Beard made a Triple substitution hoping the fresh legs would make the difference. Many fans, however, question the removal Leon when she had been the most creative spark on the pitch. With the introduction of Cho, Lehman and Svitkova, West Ham has moved from a defensive strategy to a more offensive one. Not long after Tobin Heath was also taken off earning a well-earned rest.
The northern club definitely in cruise control and West Ham were getting antsier. Giving the ball away in the midfield and to be honest, struggling to keep their heads up. It was then a surprise and completely against the run of play that Daly got one back for the home side. Running down the left flank. A long ball whipped into the left corner which could of in all honesty been a cross. However, it goes and once again the goal deficit was halved. Could we witness a come back like that of last season?
The short answer was no and the long answer was Nooooooo.
No sooner had we reduced the deficit then Manchester United cranked it up again. Once again West Ham got caught out by a set-piece. Another World Cup winner making her name on the score sheet. Christen Press firing into the roof of the goal. The score ending in 4-2.
Some changes are needed for West Ham and it’s becoming hard to see what they need to do. We have the ingredients to be a great club. Dare I say it we need a new mixer at the top. We love Matt and he has managed to keep us afloat so far. But if the results don’t start coming soon the fans will revolt.
The best player for West Ham tie better Emily van Egmond and Rach Daly
Worst of the day Commentators who haven’t learnt to pronounce players names yet.
