Winless since the first game of the season, Liverpool have finally secured three much needed points with their 2-0 victory West Ham. It was a double celebration for Captain Niamh Fahey making her 100th appearance for the club.
It only took two minutes for Liverpool to open the scoring. Holland pummelling the ball into the top left corner.
Emma Koivisto was a constant threat on the right wing, twisting and turning away from her markers. In the 14th minute, the Finnish international had a shot on goal herself, but it was parried away by Mackenzie Arnold.
The Reds made it 2-0 in the 20th minute when Taylor Hinds’s deflected shot found Katie Stengel. With one touch, the striker turned towards goal and finished it off.
Photo: Hana Basir
The home side were quicker on their feet and West Ham were forced to take their chances on counter attacks. While Lisa Evans often broke away down the left flank, she was dealt with quickly by Hinds and Megan Campbell, allowing Rachel Laws to have a comfortable first half in goal. West Ham’s attacking moments were few and far between.
The Hammers started the second half the better side, creating several chances. Longhurst and Evans combined well down the wing to set up Hayashi whose shot was blocked by Flaherty. Dagný Brynjarsdóttir’s effort was saved at full stretch by Laws.
Photo: Hana Basir
Holland and Melissa Lawley were relentless in midfield and were crucial in getting Liverpool back up the pitch. With just five minutes to go, Yana Daniels met Lawley’s cross right in front of goal but Arnold showed great reflexes to tip it over.
Seven extra minutes were added due to the high number of stoppages for head injuries towards the end of the game. Despite the eagerness of the West Ham players, any sort of attack was stopped by Liverpool’s solid defence. The three points ensure The Reds stay out of the relegation zone and will give them the confidence they need going into the Continental League Cup clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.
