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Media caption, Siren scores screamer as West Ham draws at London City.
Match Overview
London City took the lead with a goal from Jana Fernandez during a counterattack.
Oona Siren equalized for West Ham with a remarkable volley from outside the box.
The Hammers remain four points clear of Leicester, who are in the relegation zone in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
London City climbed to sixth place in the league standings.
Match Details
Oona Siren’s impressive volley enabled West Ham, who are battling relegation in the Women’s Super League, to secure a point against London City Lionesses. Jana Fernandez had initially put London City ahead with a goal during a first half where West Ham struggled to create scoring opportunities.
Siren’s stunning strike marked her first goal for the club and came from just outside the penalty area, ensuring the Hammers salvaged a point from the match.
The outcome leaves West Ham four points above the bottom-placed Leicester City, who suffered a defeat against Brighton later on Sunday.
First Half Analysis
West Ham began the match with some positive intent but were caught off guard in the 20th minute when they conceded a goal on a counterattack. After a corner for West Ham, London City quickly transitioned through Freya Godfrey, who assisted Fernandez. The Spaniard skillfully placed the ball into the corner of the net, despite a last-ditch effort from Estelle Cascarino.
Throughout the first half, West Ham failed to register a single shot on target, with Riko Ueki and Shekiera Martinez both missing good opportunities.
Second Half Improvements
London City could have extended their lead in the second half when Isobel Goodwin missed a chance, poking the ball wide from a cutback by Godfrey.
However, West Ham displayed a more determined performance after the break. Their efforts were rewarded when Saki Kumagai’s headed clearance from a Viviane Asseyi free-kick was met by a well-placed strike from Siren, which caught goalkeeper Elene Lete off guard.
In the closing stages, West Ham had opportunities to secure a win. Martinez delivered a deep cross to Ueki, whose header went agonizingly wide. Additionally, Martinez came close with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the top-left corner.
Match Analysis
Heading into this match, West Ham had lost all seven of their London derbies in the WSL this season, and it appeared they were on track for another defeat when Fernandez scored. Lete, the visiting goalkeeper, did not face any significant challenges during the first half, as West Ham struggled to find their rhythm and had not scored in their previous three WSL matches.
Despite the early setback, West Ham showed resilience and improved their performance after halftime, becoming more aggressive against a London City team that had already secured its place in the top flight.
Martinez was particularly effective, demonstrating a willingness to take on the London City defense, while Asseyi’s introduction added a touch of creativity.
The equalizing goal was a highlight, although Lete might have been expected to perform better in that situation.
West Ham has not won any of their last four WSL matches, but with only three games remaining, this draw could prove to be a crucial point.
Looking Ahead
West Ham’s next match in the WSL is scheduled for April 26 against Liverpool at 14:00 BST, while London City will host Leicester on the same day at 12:00.
Player Ratings
- Player of the Match: F. Morgan – Average Rating: 7.93
- O. Siren – Average Rating: 7.59
- T. Hansen – Average Rating: 7.56
- E. Nyström – Average Rating: 7.48
- E. Cascarino – Average Rating: 7.40
- R. Ueki – Average Rating: 7.28
- K. Gorry – Average Rating: 7.26
- K. Szemik – Average Rating: 7.07
- S. Martinez – Average Rating: 7.04
- I. Belloumou – Average Rating: 6.88
- L. Wandeler – Average Rating: 6.85
- V. Asseyi – Average Rating: 6.83
- S. Piubel – Average Rating: 6.75
- Y. Tennebø – Average Rating: 6.46
- F. Godfrey – Average Rating: 5.88
- A. Kennedy – Average Rating: 5.53
- I. Goodwin – Average Rating: 5.14
- Jana Fernández – Average Rating: 5.00
- K. Asllani – Average Rating: 5.00
- P. Pattinson – Average Rating: 4.93
- María Pérez – Average Rating: 4.92
- S. Franssi – Average Rating: 4.80
- Elene Lete – Average Rating: 4.56
- J. Roddar – Average Rating: 4.07
- Lucía Corrales – Average Rating: 4.07
- W. Sangaré – Average Rating: 3.93
- M. Marcetto – Average Rating: 3.93
- S. Kumagai – Average Rating: 3.86
- E. Linari – Average Rating: 3.79
Bildquelle: Foto von Jean-Luc Benazet auf Unsplash
