West Ham United shock Arsenal with first WSL win over Gunners | OneFootball

West Ham United have claimed their first-ever Barclays Women’s Super League victory over Arsenal with a shock 2-1 win at The Chigwell Construction Stadium earlier today.

Rehanne Skinner’s side came from behind with goals from Viviane Asseyi and Hawa Cissoko helping the East Londoners to down The Gunners.

Arsenal looked in control of the game in a very physical first half. Vivianne Miedema was dangerous, linking-up well with Victoria Pelova and she cut through the West Ham United back-line, only to be denied by a last-minute tackle from Honoka Hayashi.

The Dutch international attacker broke forward again just after the half-hour mark, taking the ball beyond Cissoko before firing a shot onto the woodwork.

The Gunners found the net on the stroke of half-time. Steph Catley’s corner was headed on by West Ham United captain Kirsty Smith to find the waiting head of Alessia Russo at the back post. She powerfully headed in from close range.

The Hammers immediately responded after the break. Catley brought down forward Riko Ueki inside the Arsenal box, awarding the hosts a penalty. Asseyi coolly sent Manuela Zinsberger the wrong way to equalise for The Irons with 49 minutes gone.

West Ham United doubled their score less than 10 minutes later, as Zinsberger failed to punch the ball clear from a free-kick. Cissoko capitalised on the goalkeeping error, and curled the ball beyond Zinsberger to put Skinner’s side in front.

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall made three changes with half an hour remaining. Stina Blackstenius, Cloé Lacasse and Kyra Cooney-Cross came on to restart their side’s attack. However, even with renewed pressure from Lacasse down the left, including a failed penalty appeal, Arsenal weren’t able to break down the stalwart Irons defence.

West Ham United now sit on 11 points, five points above bottom side Bristol City.  The loss for Arsenal is a missed opportunity to go level on points with league leaders Chelsea, who play Everton later today.