Here are four things we loved about West Ham United's 4-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Vitality Women's FA Cup!
1. A brace from Claudia Walker
It can often be frustrating playing as a lone forward, but Claudia Walker excelled up front for West Ham United in the victory over Sheffield United.
The 25-year-old forward not only bagged two goals in the win, but her link-up play with runners from midfield was a joy to watch at times.
For her first goal, Walker followed in after Katerina Svitkova’s effort that was parried out by Fran Kitching after 21 minutes to put the Hammers back in front.
In the second half, the former Birmingham City forward tapped in from close range after a whipped cross from Lois Joel.
That set the away side on their way to securing victory and putting themselves into the hat for the Fifth Round.
2. Halle Houssein’s first professional start
It’s been a whirlwind month for Halle Houssein. The 17-year-old midfielder joined the club from Arsenal on a dual registration basis and has enjoyed a superb start to her West Ham United career.
After scoring on her debut in Claret & Blue against Chelsea on the Continental Tyres League Cup, Houssein followed that up with a run out against Everton in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
And her start at Bramall Lane was the icing on the cake for the Hammers fan, who has certainly impressed those around her attitude and work ethic since making the move east.
3. Goals from midfield
This West Ham United team are capable of scoring goals from all over the pitch, and that was proved again on Sunday.
Mel Filis added her second of the season early on in the game, reacting quickest after Svitkova had an effort parried by Kitching that fell nicely for the 19-year-old to score the opener.
Dagny Brynjarsdottir was amongst the goals once again, this time only three minutes after coming off the bench. The Icelandic international ghosted into the box and got on the end of a wonderful ball in by Kate Longhurst, who also had only just entered the field of play.
Brynjarsdottir now has four goals for the Hammers and will be hoping for more as the season rolls on.
4. Ready for the fifth round
The Hammers will face fellow FA WSL opposition in the fifth round if of the competition, having been drawn against Reading.
Harder’s side will travel to the Madjeski Stadium on the weekend of the 26 February 2022 – as they look to go far into the competition.