WSL: Arsenal overcome early setback to thrash West Ham 5-1 | OneFootball

An impressive second half performance from Arsenal saw them take all three points from West Ham. The Gunners now sit top of the Women’s Super League table before this weekend’s remaining fixtures.

Arsenal’s second win of the season came courtesy of an Alessia Russo brace, alongside goals from Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord, and Frida Maanum. The sole West Ham goal was a result of an own goal own goal from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

Starting XIs

West Ham

Walsh; Hanshaw, Tysiak, Zadorsky, Nyström, Denton, Gorry, Siren, Asseyi, Ueki, Martinez.

Arsenal

Van Domselaar; McCabe, Reid, Catley, Fox, Little, Caldentey, Maanum, Foord, Russo, Mead.

Arsenal stunned in first half

Just like last week against London City Lionesses, Arsenal were slow out of the blocks. The home side stunned the visitors in just the fifth minute after Shekiera Martinez’s cross curled cruelly towards van Domselaar’s goal. The Dutchwoman managed to palm the ball onto the post, however an unfortunate rebound saw the ball enter the net off the back of the keeper.

Rather than fold, the Gunners stuck together and gradually worked themselves back into the game by maintaining possession, and probing West Ham’s defensive structure.

In the 21st minute, Arsenal found themselves level. A long ball over the top to Russo stretched West Ham’s shape, creating space for Beth Mead at the edge of the box. A cheeky pass through the legs of Oona Siren found Maanum free in the box, who slotted home her second goal of the season.

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A second half rampage from Arsenal

Once the whistle blew for the second half, Arsenal transformed into a completely different side. Blackstenius’ substitution for Maanum let Russo drop deeper, linking play and creating more chances for the visitors. This pressure paid off in the 52nd minute. A cheeky backheel from Russo (yes again!) was neatly finished by the Champions League-winning goalscorer Blackstenius.

As the pressure mounted, the third goal came following a short corner. Mariona Caldentey whipped in a curling cross, and Caitlin Foord jumped the highest to head home. A great way to mark her 100th WSL appearance.

West Ham made substitutions and, as Rehanne Skinner noted post-match, changed shape to be braver and push higher up. However, this tactical tweak proved unfortunate for the Hammers as the space opened up behind.

Russo got her first WSL goal of the season with a stunning effort from outside of the box — a goal worthy of all the applause. Moments later, she scored from the spot after Olivia Smith was fouled in the box and a penalty was awarded. With no Caldentey on the field, Russo stepped up and tucked the ball home in the bottom corner for her brace.

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Despite another slow start, Renée Slegers’ Arsenal have shown resilience, overturning early setbacks to sit top of the league with nine goals from their first two matches.

Up next

Next time out, the Gunners will be making the long journey to Leigh Sports Village to face Manchester United. West Ham will also be away at Brighton, where they will hope to get their first points on the board. The Hammers have shown flashes of promise but are still searching for consistency.

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