Sport Nation 2Manchester United made an impressive start to the Women’s Super League (WSL) season with a dominant 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Saturday. The game saw goals from Geyse, Leah Galton, and Grace Clinton, propelling Marc Skinner’s side to the top of the table while leaving West Ham at the bottom after the opening weekend.
United’s Brazilian winger Geyse opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a clinical strike, while Galton doubled the lead just before half-time with a powerful finish. Clinton completed the win early in the second half with a free header that left West Ham with little hope of recovery.
Match Overview
The game marked the return of the WSL for the 2024/25 season, and both teams were eager to start strong. However, United quickly established control, dominating possession and creating chances. West Ham, under the management of Rehanne Skinner, struggled to get into the game, with United’s high press and attacking play keeping them on the back foot for much of the match.
Geyse, a new signing for United, was a constant threat down the right wing. After a few half-chances, she capitalized on a mistake by West Ham defender Camila Saez, stealing the ball and slotting it past goalkeeper Kinga Szemik to put United ahead. It was a moment of individual brilliance that set the tone for the rest of the game.
United continued to push for a second goal, and it came just before the break. Galton, who had been a key player in United’s attack, took the ball forward with purpose before unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom left corner. The goal gave United a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time, leaving West Ham with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Second Half Dominance
The second half saw United maintain their control, and it didn’t take long for them to add a third goal. In the 53rd minute, Clinton rose unmarked in the box to head home a cross from Lisa Naalsund, effectively putting the game out of reach for West Ham. The Hammers had no answer to United’s fluid attacking play and struggled to create any meaningful chances of their own.
Despite a couple of half-chances for West Ham, including a miss from Katrina Gorry after a delightful ball from Kristie Mewis, United’s defense held firm. Phallon Tullis-Joyce, in goal for United, had little to do as West Ham’s attacks fizzled out. United, on the other hand, could have added a fourth goal late on, but Ella Toone’s effort was comfortably saved by Szemik.
Key Performances
Geyse was undoubtedly one of the standout players for United. Her pace, skill, and composure in front of goal caused problems for West Ham’s defense throughout the game. She was instrumental in creating opportunities for her teammates and got the goal to open her WSL account in style.
Leah Galton also had a strong performance, providing both attacking flair and defensive work down the left flank. Her goal just before half-time was crucial in giving United breathing room going into the second half.
However, the player of the match was Grace Clinton. The 21-year-old midfielder, who had previously been out on loan, made the most of her opportunity in United’s starting XI. Not only did she score a goal, but she also had a pass success rate of 79% and created three key chances for her team. Clinton’s performance will certainly give manager Marc Skinner something to think about as the season progresses.
West Ham’s Struggles
For West Ham, it was a tough start to the new season. Rehanne Skinner’s side struggled to get a foothold in the game and were overrun by United’s relentless pressure. Their defense looked shaky, particularly when dealing with long balls and United’s high press. Camila Saez, in particular, had a difficult afternoon, as she was caught out for United’s opening goal.
Offensively, West Ham offered little threat. Despite the best efforts of Mewis and Gorry in midfield, the Hammers were unable to break through United’s well-organized defense. Szemik, their new signing from Reims, made a few good saves but was ultimately left exposed by her backline.
West Ham will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to host Liverpool in their next match. With only one game played, there’s still plenty of time to turn things around, but improvements will need to be made if they are to avoid another relegation battle this season.
What’s Next?
Manchester United will be full of confidence heading into their next game against Everton. Marc Skinner will be pleased with his team’s performance, particularly the contributions of new signings like Geyse and Clinton. With the squad gelling well, United will be aiming to build on this win and establish themselves as title contenders in the early stages of the season.
West Ham, on the other hand, will need to address their defensive issues before their clash with Liverpool. Rehanne Skinner has a lot of work to do, particularly in shoring up her defense and finding a way to get more out of her attacking players. The Hammers will be hoping that home advantage can help them bounce back from this disappointing defeat.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over West Ham was a comprehensive and well-deserved win that showcased the Red Devils’ attacking prowess and defensive solidity. With standout performances from Geyse, Galton, and Clinton, United have laid down a marker for the rest of the WSL.
For West Ham, it was a sobering start to the season. Rehanne Skinner’s side will need to improve quickly if they are to compete in what promises to be a highly competitive WSL campaign. The Hammers will be looking to bounce back next weekend when they face Liverpool, while United will be hoping to continue their winning ways against Everton.
Overall, it was a perfect opening weekend for Marc Skinner’s Manchester United, who now sit atop the WSL standings with three points and three goals to their name.
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