Shannon Cooke’s late equaliser earned West Ham a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa before their Women’s Super League survival was confirmed.
The Hammers had the better of the chances in the first half, with Jess Ziu and Riko Ueki causing problems in particular, but Villa grew into the game after the break and took the lead when substitute Alisha Lehmann struck against her former club.
But Cooke struck with only seconds to go to salvage a point for the Hammers, and Bristol City’s defeat by Manchester City on Sunday evening means they are assured of another WSL campaign.
The visitors started the game with plenty of energy as Ziu launched a looping cross into Ueki, who did well to evade a challenge before firing low at goal but Sophia Poor was able to save.
Battled right to the end, the points are shared in Birmingham 🤝#WHUWFC | #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/vs1NFKw770
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) April 28, 2024
Viviane Asseyi then whipped in a ball towards the far post that Ziu flicked wide before the Hammers knocked at the door again moments later when Ziu had an effort blocked and Hawa Cissoko’s pin-point cross from the right was headed on to the roof of the net by Ueki.
The game settled down midway through the first half but West Ham continued to push for the opener and Ueki came close again when her dipping header was easily caught by Poor.
Villa had a brilliant chance in the 38th minute after a smart run from Kirsty Hanson down the left saw the forward cut in and roll the ball across the six-yard box, but the Hammers cleared the danger.
The hosts went close just minutes into the second half with Hanson providing another quick cross into Rachel Daly, who headed just over the bar, while at the other end Asseyi nodded wide from a West Ham corner.
Super Sub Alisha Lehmann! ⚡️
Off the bench and onto the scoresheet for @AVWFCOfficial''s no.7! 🔥#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/iOlyQ7R6te
— Barclays Women''s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) April 28, 2024
Villa were awarded a free-kick outside the centre of the box and Mackenzie Arnold made a fantastic save to tip Kenza Dali’s powerful strike over the crossbar.
Lehmann came back to haunt the Hammers in the 72nd minute when another great run from Hanson down the left saw her cross into the box and Lehmann stuck her foot out to stab the ball into the far corner.
The Swiss international nearly had a second minutes later after cutting inside from the right but her low effort whistled past the far post.
West Ham’s late push paid off when they found a much-needed equaliser five minutes into stoppage time. Ueki fired a cross into the box and Cooke flicked a header which went through Poor’s legs and rolled over the goalline.
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 6 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 7 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 8 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 9 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 10 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves