Anouk Denton was pleased with the performance that West Ham United women’s team produced against Chelsea on Saturday.
The defender played 90 minutes against the champions in a 2-0 defeat at Kingsmeadow, where Rehanne Skinner’s team produced a hard-working performance - a trait that is becoming typical under the new manager.
The Hammers had chances in the opening 45 minutes, catching Chelsea on the counter-attack on occasion, but failing to find the back of the net. Ultimately, that would cost them, as Sam Kerr marked her return to action with a goal just before the break.
In the second half, the Irons saw less of the ball, but were defensively resolute until Erin Cuthbert scored Chelsea’s second of the game in second half stoppage time.
Whilst Denton admitted that she was disappointed at being on the losing side against the Blues, she believes there was a notable step up in performance when compared against their last fixture against one of the big four, Manchester City, in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
“I think the team performance was better than what we showed against Manchester City, for example,” Denton told whufc.com at the full-time whistle.
“I thought that we played in a really positive way, and there were lots of good things about our play. We found ways to get in behind and to create chances, which has been something we’ve struggled with in the past against Chelsea and the bigger teams in this league.
“We could have scored tonight, so that’s the real disappointment alongside losing. If we can be a little more clinical moving forward, then I think we’re in a really good place.”
Denton and her teammates had 14 shots at goal against Chelsea, highlighting the number of chances they were able to create against Emma Hayes’ team.
And whilst Chelsea dominated possession for large spells, West Ham had good periods of their own, as they knocked the ball around nicely and created openings.
Denton believes that the team are starting to really get to grips with and understand the way that Skinner wants them to play and will take plenty of confidence from the display at Kingsmeadow into their next fixture, a home clash against Liverpool at Chigwell Construction Stadium this weekend.
"Everyone is working really hard for one another,” she stated. “I feel as though we’re improving our understanding as a team game-on-game, and we’re really starting to see the benefits of the work that we’ve done throughout pre-season since Rehanne has arrived.
“There’s a real family feel about the group. We’re all one team and I feel like that was evident to see tonight. As I say, if we continue to improve and work on things then I think we will pick up plenty of positives results as the season progresses.”
Next up, the women's team welcome Matt Beard's Liverpool to Chigwell Construction Stadium! Purchase your tickets by clicking on the graphic below!
