by Staff Writer
Monday, 8th September 2025
On the opening day of the WSL season, the Hammers produced a disciplined display away at Spurs only for a penalty to be conceded four minutes from time.
And with the resulting spot kick converted by Bethany England - the hosts' only shot on target during the entire game - ensured Tottenham escaped with a win they did little to earn.
For most of the afternoon at Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road, it was West Ham who looked the sharper side although good chances were few and far between.
Equally as profligate in the final third, West Ham's only effort on target during the 90+ minutes came in the latter stages of the first half when Viviane Asseyi's corner almost caught out Spurs' stopper Lize Kop off guard.
Shortly after the restart Seraina Piubel enjoyed West Ham's best opportunity of the second half but failed to find the target, sending her volley from Viviane Asseyi’s deep cross over the bar.
And while the Hammers continued to press, occasionally forcing Spurs into panic and long spells of no possession, there was little end product - with Riko Ueki failing to make much of an impact spearheading the Irons attack.
On the few occasions when Tottenham did manage to push forward, West Ham's defence - marshalled by Shelina Zadorsky and Eva Nystrom - stood firm.
The game’s turning point wasn’t the penalty itself but the loss of goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, midway through the second period. The Polish international landed awkwardly and was forced off the pitch after averting a mishit cross from Drew Spence.
Reserve 'keeper Megan Walsh replaced Szemik and looked assured - until a rare Spurs foray resulted in a spot kick after skipper Katrina Gorry tripped Eveliina Summanen.
The resulting penalty was fired home by England to secure an undeserved win for the hosts to the dismay of the healthy Hammers contingent in the crowd.
Player Ratings
Kinga Szemik (GK) 6
Forced off with an ankle injury mid-game, a real shame, as she was sharp early on and kept her composure whenever under pressure.
Anouk Denton (RB) 6
Solid defensively. Didn’t offer as much going forward, but did her job well.
Verena Hanshaw (LB) 6
Tracked back well and defended solidly, though didn’t contribute much in the offensive phase.
Eva Nystrom (CB) 7
Commanded well, helped keep a steady backline throughout.
Shelina Zadorsky (CB) 7
The backbone of the defence. Stayed calm and pivotal in keeping Spurs largely at bay.
Oona Siren (CM) 6
Energetic, helped break up play and offered tidy distribution.
Katrina Gorry (CM) 5
Put in a shift, covering ground but conceded the late foul leading to the penalty.
Seraina Piubel (AM) 6
A decent performance, volleyed narrowly over when she really should've hit the target with one of West Ham's rare chances.
Viviane Asseyi (RW) 6
Dragged a couple of chances wide when better options were available and offered good service. Freeing her up might be key going forward.
Riko Ueki (LW) 6
Worked hard but lacked end product, looked lively but didn’t get much support.
Shekiera Martinez (ST) 6
Had a couple of half-chances, but generally isolated, did all she could on limited service.
Subs:
Megan Walsh (Szemik) 6
Came in and did reasonably well, getting a hand to the penalty though ultimately beaten.
Ffion Morgan (Piubel, 63) 5
Worked hard but fairly ineffective.
Manuela Paví (Martinez, 87) 5
Came on late; not enough time to make an impact.
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