West Ham United 2-0 Everton Women: WSL Match Report and Reaction

Toni Payne is focusing on a busy week ahead for Everton Women after the Toffees went down to defeat in the capital against West Ham United.

A goal from Shekiera Martinez and a Viviane Asseyi penalty in the first half was enough to give Rehanne Skinner’s team all three points and see them leapfrog the Blues in the WSL.

Everton had their chances throughout but failed to convert, something which Payne feels her team have to focus on putting right ahead of their FA Cup fixture with Tottenham Hotspur before a crunch league encounter with Leicester City.

“I think positively we dominated the game in the second half, but the game lasts for 90 minutes, so there is obviously room for improvement for us,” she said.

“West Ham were very good on the counter attacks today as well as the set pieces.

“I’m not happy with the result but we will be working for a positive result in the cup game in midweek and at the weekend.

“The last piece for us, we are getting in the box and creating the chances, it is just putting the ball in the net.

“And, at the end of the game, that is what determines football. West Ham did that today and that has to be our goal for the season.

“Even for me, it is going to be about getting my crosses in and scoring goals.”

Making just two changes from last week’s draw with Aston Villa, Sorensen brought in Kelly Gago and Sara Holmgaard returned in place of Justine Vanhaevermaet and Heather Payne, who dropped to the bench.

And it was the French international who had the game’s first chance when she met Honoka Hayashi’s corner but saw her effort go narrowly over the crossbar.

Katja Snoeijs then struck the upright with a header moments later. Payne burst down the right and released a lofted ball which was met by the onrushing the forward, who struggled to set herself and saw her chance come back off the crossbar.

Photo by Richard Pelham – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Then came the all-too-familiar story for Sorensen’s side as Martinez made no mistake to nod home Asseyi’s corner at the near-post on nine minutes.

The Blues reacted well but couldn’t find that elusive equaliser and saw their task made even more difficult when Seraina Piubel was upended by Holmgaard just before half-time.

Asseyi made no mistake from the spot as the hosts ended the half two goals to the good.

Everton searched for a way back but Skinner’s side repelled every effort as her team were able to hold on for three points and leave the Toffees with more questions as they look to kickstart their 2025.

Sorensen will have the opportunity on Wednesday, 29 January, when his side host Tottenham Hotspur at Walton Hall Park in the Women’s FA Cup.

Kick-off for the fixture is at 7pm.