West Ham finally got their FAWSL 2022/23 campaign up and running as Paul Konchesky's side held on for a big three points on the opening weekend against a much-changed Everton.
Lisa Evans' first-half header right on the stroke of half-time meant that the east Londoners started the new season on the right foot. Meanwhile, for Brian Sorensen and his Toffees side, they huffed and puffed in the second but couldn't find that equaliser.
Konchesky's side next play Manchester United at home next weekend whilst Everton try and earn their first three points of the campaign in the Merseyside derby in game week 2 against local rivals Liverpool.
With this all taken into account, football.london brings you the player ratings from Paul Konchesky's first competitive game in charge.
Mackenzie Arnold
Made an early and easy save in the first minute from an Everton free-kick. Other than that, had a rather quiet first half. That changed in the 56th minute as the Australian shot-stopper had to be alert to save Snoeijs' shot after Agnes Beever-Jones had played her through on goal, 6.
Kirsty Smith
A big block was made in the 28th minute to prevent Everton striker Agnes Beever-Jones from troubling the West Ham shot-stopper. Wasn't too noticeable throughout proceedings but that isn't always a bad sign. Replaced in the last 10 minutes for Grace Fisk, 6.
Lucy Parker
Had a few scares in the first half but alongside Cissoko, kept Everton at bay with relative ease for the first 45 minutes. Her initial header led to opposition goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan flapping right before half-time in the incident that eventually resulted in the opening goal. Made a vital block in the late stages of the second half to prevent Everton equalising from a corner, 8.
Hawa Cissoko
A real presence at the back for the Hammers. Her passing in the first 45 minutes was top-notch from the back. Was nearly caught out late in the first half but thankfully, the 25-year-old didn't make any contact with the marauding Katja Snoeijs who nearly won a penalty for the visitors. Solid defensively in the second period as the whole defence nullified the visitors, 8.
Kate Longhurst
Dictated the midfield battle alongside captain Dagny for much of the first half. Kept up her high level in the second half and was subbed off in the 63rd minute for striker Claudia Walker, 7.
Honoka Hayashi
Took some time adjusting to playing alongside her new teammates. Nearly executed a perfect through ball in the 21st minute but one of the Everton backline was able to intercept before the ball reached French star Asseyi. Did also pose a threat of her own when she met a cross from the left in the 34th minute but her looping header sailed harmlessly wide. Had to drop into a deeper midfield position once Walker was introduced midway through the second half, 7.
Jess Ziu
Brilliant work down the left eventually resulted in a chance early in the first half for new signing Asseyi whose shot on the spin was nearly diverted in at the far post. The Irish woman's tenacity was rewarded at the end of the first half as her header from the last corner of the half was diverted in by Evans. Was replaced in stoppage time for Kyvag and received rapturous applause from the fans upon her exit from the field, 8.
Dagny Brynjarsdottir
Really acted as the Declan Rice of Konchesky's midfield. Showed similar qualities in the way she dictated play in comparison to the men's captain. Constantly putting her foot in and getting stuck in as the Icelandic was successful on most occasions in breaking up Everton's midfield play. Had a chance early in the second half to make it 2-0 but headed wide after connecting to Hayashi's cross from the left-hand side. Played her part defensively to help see the job through, 8.
Risa Shimizu
Looked sharp really early on with her passing. Won the first free-kick of the match with her tenacious work down the right. Great interception in the 23rd minute to prevent Hanna Bennison from potentially getting a goal-bound shot away after the Swede found herself one-on-one midway through the first half. Played her part defensively in the second half too, 8.
Lisa Evans
Burst into life in the 31st minute after latching onto a through ball from Jess Ziu. Her shot was saved with some comfort by Courtney Brosnan. Also would have gained an assist if Hayashi's curler would have found the top corner in the 40th minute. Did score before half-time as the former Arsenal forward was in the right place at the right time to head in from a corner after Everton failed to clear their lines, 8.
Viviane Asseyi
Certainly has taken West Ham's attack to a new level. Some really lovely link-up play early on and should have perhaps scored in the 16th minute. Was a bit wasteful at times despite posing a constant threat to the Everton backline. Mishit an opportunity early in the second half to extend the lead and won a free-kick which the former Bayern Munich star hit straight into the wall. Faded out in the second half but helped out defensively towards the end. certainly much more to come from the star signing, 7.
Substitutes:
Claudia Walker
Introduced in the 62nd minute for Longhurst. Played up top for the final 30 minutes as Hayashi was forced to drop back. Had little impact up top but still played her part defending from upfront, 6.
Grace Fisk
Not on the pitch enough time to make a real impact, Did make a clearance from a late Everton free-kick. N/A.
Thea Kyvag
Introduced in stoppage time to help her side see the job through, N/A.
