Manchester United Women returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United.
First half
United had the first chance of the game when Melvine Malard released the ball to Hinata Miyazawa, whose long-distance effort almost found the bottom corner.
The home side continued to push, and Elisabeth Terland almost opened the scoring from close range. Her effort was blocked, and then Dominque Janssen’s shot was also sent behind for a corner.
The Norwegian was in again after she was slipped in by Jess Park, but she could not find the corner as her effort was well stopped by Kinga Szemik.
United finally opened the scoring after 37 minutes when Anna Sandberg sent in a delicious ball that was bundled into the net by Terland.
Just before half-time, the busy Park slipped in Terland again, but once more the West Ham keeper was equal to the challenge.
Second half
Against the run of play, West Ham found an equaliser early in the second half.
Shekiera Martinez scored a stunning overhead kick that caught the returning Phallon Tullis-Joyce out, as the ball looped over her into the far corner.
United responded immediately, and Julia Zigiotti thudded a long-range effort against the post.
Melvine Malard also almost grabbed the hosts’ second, but her header from a Jayde Riviere cross drifted wide.
Finally, United had the breakthrough when Janssen fired in a wonderful free kick that curled fiercely into the bottom corner.
The Red Devils held on for the win, keeping them in the top three.
They will next be in action when they face the huge challenge of European heavyweights Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Anna Sandberg stats vs West Ham
Stat Value
Goals 0
Assists 1
Tackles (won) 2 (2)
Interceptions 2
Clearances 3
Blocked shots 0
Recoveries 3
Ground duels (won) 7 (2)
Aerial duels (won) 1 (0)
Fouls 1
Dribbled past 0
Big chances created 1
Key passes 4
Crosses (accurate) 5 (2)
Accurate passes 60/66 (91%)
Passes in opposition half (acc.) 42/46 (91%)
Passes in own half (acc.) 18/20 (90%)
Long balls (accurate) 1/4 (25%)
Touches 104
Dribbles (successful) 1 (0)
Possession lost 13
Total shots 0
Shots on target 0
Shots blocked 0
Offsides 1
Source: Sofascore
Featured image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images
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