FAWSL 2019/2020: West Ham United Women v Liverpool Women – tactical analysis

A fascinating fixture where both the sides were desperate for the win in this match, but for different reasons. West Ham United Women are currently sitting in eighth in the league with four wins this season before this match and were looking to do the double over Liverpool Women in their first season in the FAWSL, whilst Liverpool Women were trying to fight a relegation battle looking even more tricky by the day. This tactical analysis will show how Liverpool’s early tactics in attack ensured that they stopped West Ham United Women from playing their fast passing game. The analysis will also show how West Ham United benefited from Liverpool’s defensive tactics as the game went on, as it helped them win this match.

Lineups

West Ham United Women made four changes from their last match, a 2-0 loss away to Reading Women. Cecilie Kvamme was on the bench, with Germany international Katharina Baunach brought in to play at left-back. Grace Fisk, recently called up by England for the first time, moved to right-back from centre-back. Other changes saw midfielder Kate Longhurst left our altogether, whilst forwards Jacynta Galabadaarachchi and Leanne Kiernan were on the bench. In came Kenza Dali, Julia Simic and Adriana Leon, as manager Matt Beard decided to switch his team around in the hope of gaining an important win. As for Liverpool Women, they made just one change, with long-serving striker Ashley Hodson given only her second start of the season, replacing Rinsola Babajide, who was left out altogether. Babajide had scored both goals in Liverpool’s last match, a 3-2 home loss to Arsenal Women.

Liverpool Womens attack

Firstly, Liverpool Women began the game very positively in the attack. Ashley Hodson and Niamh Charles, in particular, were seemingly tasked with pressing high up the pitch, and ensuring that all of West Ham United’s thinking time was taken away from them. Below, you can see exactly how Liverpool’s attack progressed in the game’s early stages.