Olli Harder says it was only the final touch that cost West Ham Women as they were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
A meeting with Joe Montemurro’s high-flying Arsenal side was always a free pass as the game in hand in the Hammers’ fight for Super League survival.
The scoreline suggests they were soundly beaten by the 15-time league champions, but Harder felt his side deserved more credit than that.
“I thought we could have got more out of the game,” said Harder.
“Obviously, Arsenal are a top-class team and for us it was about creating as much pressure as possible and not allowing them to dictate in the way that they want to.
“We showed great application, great effort, seeing my girls chasing them around - after 90 minutes, we were still chasing them around - was just fantastic.
“We just lacked quality in some big moments, I thought.”
The visitors were not without chances and Dagny Brynjarsdottir came within a whisker when she headed a Cecilie Kvamme cross wide late in the first half.
And Harder’s side could have pulled a goal back in the 85th minute, despite the outcome being settled, when Martha Thomas forced a good save from Arsenal keeper Lydia Williams.
“There were a couple of big moments that we could have done better with and that could have changed the game,” said Harder.
“They were under pressure the entire match, we did a fantastic job at that and to go in [at half-time] at 1-1 would have been a terrific reward for all that pressure.
“I thought there were also a couple of decent chances in the second half for us, but it is how it is and we have to move on.”
There’s no time for West Ham to dwell on their result as they face a crucial clash with fellow strugglers Aston Villa, who were pegged back by Birmingham City in a 1-1 derby day draw.
To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays FA Women’s Super League coverage visit womenscompetitions.thefa.com
.png?w=600)
