Riko Ueki had Chigwell Construction Stadium up on their feet on multiple occasions during West Ham United women’s team’s draw with Manchester United on Saturday.
The forward, who started up front alongside Shekiera Martinez and Viviane Asseyi, tormented the Red Devils with her quick feet, pulling off two successful nutmegs and an audacious touch around Maya Le Tissier to get the Hammers on the attack.
The Japan international, who signed for the Club in the summer of 2023, has started every game under Rehanne Skinner and was once again praised by her manager following the stalemate with third-place Man United.
It was far from a bore draw in east London as both sides created chances good enough to win the game.
After seeing a Shekiera Martinez shot bend just wide of the upright, the Hammers broke a handful of times at the death, but were unable to create a clear-cut chance. Meanwhile, Celin Bizet crashed the crossbar in the first period for the visitors before substitute Melvine Malard dragged a shot just wide of Kinga Szemik’s goal.
Ueki, with five goals to her name in all competitions this season, was pleased with the way her side shut up shop on Saturday, as they extended their unbeaten run to four matches, having lost just once in the last five games after playing all of the top four in the process.
“Our last four games were brilliant results, and this afternoon was as well, so I’m so happy,” said Ueki, who was awarded the Barclays Player of the Match award after the game.
“My job is to connect with my teammates, so I get the ball and find a pass. It was a good performance today.
“I’m so proud of the team. They had chances but our defence did well. Of course we want to score, but it’s a good point.”
Ueki has built a strong connection with fellow forwards Asseyi and Martinez over recent weeks, and while they were unable to find a goal, they plugged gaps to get past the Manchester United defence on occasions - a backline that has conceded nine goals all season in the WSL.
“I know they [the rest of the West Ham forward line] are strong, so every day we’re talking to each other, today we worked hard together, which is good,” Ueki continued.
“The last five games we’ve had tough games but we’ve got a lot of points. Everyone’s worked so hard, and I’m so happy.”
