London City’s superstars brought down to earth in WSL defeat at West Ham

West Ham claimed their first Women’s Super League win of the season with a 2-1 home victory over London City Lionesses.

Kelly Gago put the Hammers ahead after 21 minutes, racing between the centre-backs Mapi León and Isa Kardinaal to latch on to Seraina Piubel’s pass from nearly halfway and rounding Elene Lete in the London City goal. Lete, who signed from Real Sociedad in 2025, remains Eder Maestre’s first choice in goal despite the arrival of the former England goalkeeper Mary Earps this summer.

Daniëlle van de Donk was denied an equaliser when Constance Picaud-Inconnu saved low, with another of London City’s big-name summer signings Alexia Putellas lifting the rebound over the bar under the challenge of Inès Belloumou.

Kelly Gago is congratulated after scoring the opener. Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images/Reuters

Viviane Asseyi scored doubled West Ham’s lead three minutes after the break after being released by Riko Ueki, running the length of the London City half before firing home.

London City set up a frantic finish after Van de Donk’s clever backheel from Kadidiatou Diani’s low cross crept in at the near post 14 minutes from time.

Danielle van de Donk flicks home for the Lionesses. Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images/Reuters

The veteran Netherlands forward had scored a similar goal with the winner against Manchester United on the opening weekend – this defeat at Chigwell Construction Stadium was a reality check for Maestre’s side as they look to challenge the top teams in the WSL this season.

West Ham bounced back after their opening-weekend defeat to Tottenham. “I saw the spirit that I want to see every time, it’s part of our identity,” said their head coach, Rita Guarino. “We can’t forget that we have this kind of value and we need to show it in every single game.”