- Spurs came out on top in the London Derby
- Spurs beat travelling team West Ham
- Hammers at the bottom of the WSL table on just two points in 6 games, Spurs in 7th on seven points
West Ham’s winless start continues after unusual own goal as Spurs continue to concede goals
Six games into the 2024/25 WSL season West Ham has still failed to win a match, this time losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Hammers have seriously struggled this season but a set-piece goal from Riko Ueki early in the second half lifted the hopes of East London fans.
But 6 minutes into the second half a goal from Beth England drew Spurs level and then a bizarre own goal from Camila Saez in the 92nd minute sealed West Ham’s fate.
Spurs started brightly with Jessica Naz – the newly capped England player – causing mayhem with dangerous runs behind West Ham’s backline. England U23 defender Ella Morris also offered up some tantalising deliveries to spice up the London derby.
However, Spurs have been poor in dealing with set pieces, not just this game, but most of the new season. In fact, Spurs have conceded the most goals this season and more goals through set pieces than any other team in the WSL (this season).
It’s no surprise then that the home team conceded their goal through a corner, with West Ham’s Ueki rising high and exposing that Spurs frailty.
In the second half, a bit of brilliant build up play forced West Ham’s keeper Kinga Szemik to make a superb save, before Matilda Vinberg’s follow up strike hit the post and finally Beth England poked the ball in from close range.
As the second half went on, Spurs’ control on the game tightened, with shots that should have found the back of the net from England and Morris pilling on the pressure
It appeared West Ham might be able to get a point from the match but an unfortunate and unusual own goal from Saez sealed the east London team’s fate.
As Spurs sent the ball forward, the defender – facing her own keeper, lifted the ball up and over the goalkeeper and into her own goal.
The latest loss leaves West Ham in the familiar relegation zone with just two points from six games. Spurs are now in sixth and on seven points.
Spurs will be happy despite goals conceded
Spurs will be happy they secured all three points especially considering they will soon face league leaders Manchester City and Arsenal soon.
But boss Robert Vilahamn will have to look at his side’s awful record of conceding goals.
West Ham has quite the mountain to climb and for another season their battle will likely be about avoiding relegation.
Though the Hammers had bright moments throughout the game and made the game difficult for the hosts, they created few chances and on more than one occasion they appeared to panic in times where calm was needed.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 West Ham
Stadium: Gaughan Group Stadium
What next? Spurs visit Manchester City on Friday 8 November, West Ham face Leicester on Sunday 10 November
