Tottenham 0-2 West Ham – WSL: Player ratings as Hammers win London derby

West Ham turned in a big second half performance to move up to fifth in the WSL with a 2-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham at Brisbane Road on Sunday.

Spurs were much the better side in the first half but were unable to capitalise on their dominance, before Paul Konchesky changed things up at the break and the Hammers turned in a much improved second half performance.

Goals from Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Hawa Cissoko saw West Ham to all three points, the former making up for missing a spot kick in the first half.

Rehanne Skinner had wrung the changes for Spurs following their disappointing defeat to Reading last time out, with first team regulars Ashleigh Neville and Angharad James dropping to the bench. The hosts burst out of the blocks and enjoyed the better of the first half; Eveliina Summanen saw a dipping effort from range fly narrowly over, while Mackenzie Arnold was called into action to acrobatically tip a Celin Bizet over the bar.

Arnold was kept busy, reacting well to prevent Mollie Bartrip scoring directly from a corner, while Chioma Ubogagu couldn’t get enough power on a header to trouble the West Ham goalkeeper following good work from Bizet down the right.

Despite the hosts’ dominance, it was West Ham who had the best chance to break the deadlock in the opening 45. Kerys Harrop was dispossessed by Kate Longhurst, and the former brought down the latter following a smart turn from the Hammers fullback. However, the resultant spot kick was dragged wide by Brynjarsdottir.

Having hardly threatened in the first half, Paul Konchesky introduced Lisa Evans at half time as West Ham switched to a front three, and the impact was almost instant. Evans provided the driving run and delivery for Viviane Asseyi, whose overhead kick rebounded into the path of Brynjarsdottir. The Icelandic international atoned for missed penalty and crashed home.

Tottenham responded with the introduction of Neville and Nikola Karczewska, with the former sending an effort from the edge of the area narrowly wide just after the hour mark.

With Spurs chasing the equaliser, West Ham netted a second on the counter attack with seven minutes remaining. Asseyi again was involved, winning a 50:50 with Neville on the halfway line and sending Hawa Cissoko – charging forward from centre back – scurrying through on goal. The defender coolly lifted the ball over Becky Spencer to seal all three points for the Hammers.