Arsenal, with Leah Williamson back in their starting XI, saw their WSL title hopes suffer a shock blow when slipping to a 2-1 defeat at West Ham.
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England skipper plays 45 minutes
Gunners throw away lead in derby
Historic win for West Ham
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The Gunners began a game with England captain Williamson included from the off for the first time in nine-and-a-half months. She lasted just 45 minutes before being taken off at half-time, in her ongoing recovery from a serious ACL injury, and was forced to watch on as precious points were dropped.
Arsenal started brightly when making the short trip from north to east London for a derby date, with penalty shouts waved away while Vivianne Miedema was denied by the crossbar and some last-ditch defending. Jonas Eidevall’s side finally forced the breakthrough in the 43rd minute when Alessia Russo met a corner flicked on to the back post with a diving header.
West Ham burst out of the blocks in the second 45 and levelled from the penalty spot within five minutes of the restart following a challenge from Steph Catley right on the edge of the box. Viviane Asseyi made no mistake from 12 yards.
The Hammers then left the away support stunned when edging in front just before the hour mark. A poor punch from Manuela Zinsberger was returned with interest by Hawa Cissoko, with the French defender looking like a prolific striker as she hooked an impressive effort into the back of the net.
AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP
Leah Williamson will be delighted to make a starting XI once more, given the injury nightmare that she has endured. The Lionesses star looked comfortable enough during her 45 minutes on the pitch. Fears were raised after seeing her replaced at the interval, but Arsenal confirmed that no fitness setback had been suffered. Williamson ensured that Arsenal did not concede during her time on the pitch and there is much more to come from her over the coming weeks.
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Vivianne Miedema is one of the most fearsome forwards in world football, but even the most prolific of strikers can have off days. The Dutch superstar will feel as though at least one effort should have been added to her impressive tally against West Ham. Miedema took too long to make up her mind when racing through during the first half, allowing a desperate challenge to come in, before going on to hit the woodwork with an effort that would usually find the top corner.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Arsenal missed the chance to move level with Chelsea at the top of the WSL table and will not be in league action again until February 17 – with cup ties against London City and Manchester City next on the agenda. West Ham, who have become upwardly mobile once more, will head to fellow strugglers Everton on February 18.