West Ham United's women's side finally broke their opening‑season drought in the Women's Super League with a hard‑fought 2-1 win over the London City Lionesses on their home turf. The match, played at the club's training ground, saw the Hammers demonstrate both resilience and attacking flair, ultimately securing three valuable points in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The opening half hour was dominated by West Ham, who pressed high and looked to exploit the spaces left by the Lionesses in midfield.
Their efforts paid off in the 21st minute when midfielder Kelly Gago surged forward from a position just beyond the halfway line. Receiving a well‑timed diagonal pass from Seraina Piubel, Gago accelerated past the defensive line, cut inside, and faced goalkeeper Elene Lete one‑on‑one. Showing composure beyond her years, Gago curled the ball around the keeper and tucked it into the far corner, putting the Hammers ahead and igniting the home supporters. The Lionesses, however, refused to be intimidated.
They regrouped during the interval and emerged with renewed vigor. Early in the second half, a swift counter‑attack was launched by London City. Riko Ueki, operating on the left flank, slipped a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Viviane Asseyi. The German international, known for her powerful long‑range shooting, found herself with a clear view of goal from roughly 40 yards out.
With a thunderous strike, she sent the ball soaring past Lete, leveling the score at 1-1 and restoring belief to the visiting side. The decisive moment arrived with just under fifteen minutes remaining.
West Ham's forward line, led by the ever‑energetic Danielle van de Donk, orchestrated a series of intricate passes inside the Lionesses' penalty area. Van de Donk, displaying her trademark creativity, executed a clever back‑heel flick that slipped the ball to the near post. The ball ricocheted off the post and fell to a teammate, who attempted a quick finish. Though the attempt was saved, the rebound fell back to van de Donk, who, with a swift turn, found herself one‑on‑one with Lete once again.
This time she placed a low, precise shot into the bottom corner, restoring West Ham's lead and sending the home fans into a jubilant roar. London City Lionesses fought back valiantly in the closing stages, pushing forward with urgency and creating several chances. Their most notable effort came when they earned a free‑kick just outside the box.
The delivery was well‑taken, but the Hammers' defence, marshalled by captain and centre‑back, cleared the danger efficiently. Despite the pressure, the Lionesses could not find an equaliser, and the final whistle confirmed a 2-1 triumph for West Ham.
Following the match, West Ham head coach Rita Guarino praised her team's performance in a post‑match interview. "I'm delighted with the result; three points at home in front of our supporters is exactly what we needed," Guarino said. She highlighted the importance of the team's work ethic throughout the week, noting that the players had shown the spirit and identity she expects from them. "I saw the determination and the fighting spirit that defines our club.
It's part of our identity, and we must showcase it in every game," she added. Guarino also reflected on the tactical adjustments made at halftime, which she believes were pivotal in turning the game around.
The coach emphasized the significance of maintaining composure under pressure and praised the players' ability to execute the game plan despite the Lionesses' early resurgence. The victory marks West Ham's first WSL win of the season, a milestone that could serve as a catalyst for improved performances in the upcoming fixtures. The team now looks ahead to their next league challenge, hoping to build on the momentum generated by this hard‑earned success. In contrast, the London City Lionesses, who had impressed with a surprise victory over Manchester United in the opening round, struggled to replicate that fluidity and confidence against a determined West Ham side.
While they displayed moments of brilliance, particularly through the contributions of Riko Ueki and Viviane Asseyi, they were unable to maintain the consistency required to secure a positive result. The match also featured a reminder of the broader context of the Women's Super League calendar, with upcoming fixtures promising further excitement for fans. The league continues to grow in popularity, and initiatives such as the "Play Super 6" competition, offering a chance to win £1 million, aim to engage supporters even more deeply. Overall, West Ham's 2-1 win not only adds three points to their league tally but also reinforces the belief that the squad possesses the quality and resolve to compete at the highest level of English women's football.
The team will now turn its attention to the next challenge, aiming to sustain the positive trajectory established on this memorable afternoon.