Chelsea drop their first points at home in a tough match against West Ham

West Ham and Chelsea players battle it out. Photo: West Ham

Chelsea 2-2 West Ham

West Ham faced off against league leaders Chelsea in sunny South London with the home crowd in high spirits, following the Blues' Champions League quarter final win on Thursday night.

However, West Ham could not be underestimated as they entered this game on a five match winning streak, sitting them in a secure table position.

Despite Sonia Bompastor’s decision to rest several players, her starting squad deemed just as capable and applied an immediate high press. This produced a number of half chances within the opening minutes, presenting them as a threat from the offset, as they proved a handful for The Hammers.

West Ham looked unable to break through the mighty midfield of Chelsea with the trusted centre-back partnership of Nathalie Bjorn and Millie Bright on duty to cover in behind, both in excellent form at the moment.

The relentless press from the Blues resulted in a deserved goal from the young star, Maika Hamano, who struck the ball beyond the reach of Kinga Szemik in the 15th minute.

Shortly after, Chelsea’s academy graduate, Aggie Beever Jones, created a superb finish in the bottom corner after exploding through The Hammers' back line.

Around the half hour mark, West Ham had their first real chances in front of goal with a free kick and a subsequent corner which was met by Shelina Zadorsky. However, The Irons were unable to capitalise and find the back of the net.

Catarina Macario tested her luck in the 34th minute after some exciting link up play with Beever-Jones but she was ultimately unsuccessful. This was closely followed by a remarkable strike by Erin Cuthbert which, to the Scottish international's frustration, rattled the crossbar.

A sudden spell of positive play came for the travelling side before half time, who started to find their feet. This resulted in Shekeira Martinez being gifted time to volley the ball past Hannah Hampton and win one back for her side.

Although the game started to even out before the break, Chelsea went into the changing rooms on top at half time.

With half time substitutions from both sides, each team came out with the same desire, but Chelsea maintained the upper hand looking confident in possession.

The home side continued to dominate possession though West Ham were ready to pounce on any loose ball and counter attack. Furthermore, they looked more compact and structured, making it harder for Chelsea to find success in the final third.

Lauren James presented her technical ability, taking on Kirsty Smith in the 71st minute, beating the right back and releasing her shot from her left foot which skimmed the crossbar.

West Ham, starting to grow more comfortable under pressure, began to threaten the champions and force an impressive save out of Hampton.

The game continued to shift in its style of play with the several substitutions from both teams offering different qualities. Opportunities came down both ends yet the 2-1 scoreline remained with neither side being able to convert in front of goal.

Much to the delight of the travelling fans, West Ham were rewarded for their consistent pressure and scored a stoppage time header from Martinez to close the game in a draw. Both sides secure a crucial point for the table before the international break.

Teams:

Chelsea Women- Hannah Hampton (GK), Millie Bright ©, Ashley Lawrence, Nathalie Björn, Niamh Charles, Oriane Jean-François, Sjoeke Nusken, Erin Cuthbert, Maika Hamano, Aggie Beever-Jones, Catarina Macario

Head Coach- Sonia Bompastor

Substitutes used: Lucy Bronze, Weike Kaptein, Lauren James, Mia Fishel, Keira Walsh

Scorers- Maika Hamano, Aggie Beever-Jones

West Ham Women- Kinga Szemik (GK), Oona Siren, Amber Tysiak, Riko Ueki, Shelina Zadorsky, Anouk Denton, Shekeira Martinez, Viviane Asseyi, Katrina Gorry ©, Li Mengwen, Verena Hanshaw

Head Coach- Rehanne Skinner

Substitutes used- Dagny Brynjarsdottir, Kirsty Smith, Manuela Paví, Eva Nyström, Seraina Piubel

Scorers- Shekeira Martinez