FAWSL 2019/20: West Ham United Women vs Manchester United Women – tactical analysis

Manchester United Women took on West Ham United Women at the Rush Green Stadium in what should have been a straight forward game but was anything but. The FAWSL is starting to take shape with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea all taking turns at the top of the table. The Blues had their game called off against Everton because of a frozen pitch but now have a game in hand. Manchester United are fifth, three points behind Everton who have a game in hand.

The Red Devils have made a good start to the season even though they have a record of four wins and four losses. Their losses have been close defeats to three of the current top four and all by one-goal margins. West Ham, on the other hand, have had a poor start to the season having already registered five losses conceding 18 goals in eight games. They were demolished by Manchester City Women last week and needed a response against an inform Manchester United side.

This tactical analysis will look to analyse and detail the tactics that led West Ham United Women to their win over Manchester United.

Lineups

Manchester United Women lined up in their traditional 4-2-3-1 system having made one change with Jane Ross replacing the injured Lauren James. Leah Galton, Jackie Groenen, and Kirsty Hanson continued to support the striker. Their counter-attacking tactics have been perfectly suited to this system giving teams a very difficult time. West Ham’s five-man backline would have been a test for the forwards.

West Ham made two changes for their clash against the Red Devils with Anna Moorhouse and Jacynta Galabadaarachchi being replaced by Courtney Brosnan and Martha Thomas. Matt Beard continued with the 5-3-2 system that he has favoured for much of this campaign

West Ham United Women: Brosnan; Kvamme, Flaherty, Hendrix, Vetterlein, Baunach; Lehmann, Longhurst, Dali; Keirnan, Thomas

Manchester United Women: Earps; Turner, McManus, Turner, Harris; Zelem, Ladd; Hanson, Groenen, Galton; Ross

Manchester United’s proactive approach

The Red Devils began the game in typical United fashion with their well-formed structure in their 4-2-3-1. Both Zelem and Ladd were once again tasked with keeping United’s backline protected but were given a license to push forward. They were expected to have more possession against a West Ham side that were set out to defend deep and compact. One of the biggest differences in United’s system was their slightly higher line which allowed Zelem to push forward and play a more controlling role in midfield. The United captain was able to recycle possession and look to play more threatening passes forward to try and penetrate West Ham’s tight defence. Ross would try and replicate the role Lauren James plays out through her movement and dropping deep to connect with the midfield.

West Ham’s defensive setup

The Hammers have decent forward players but against a side strong on the counter, they needed to reinforce their backline by remaining solid at the back. West Ham, on the other hand, set up in a 5-3-2 system knowing how potent United are in the wide areas. The two West Ham attacking midfielders dropped back to help the wing-backs from being overloaded.

It was imperative for them to keep their shape and not allow United any easy passing options especially in the wide areas where they are most dangerous. Galton and Hanson have been in fine form and keeping them isolated and restricted to back passes was high on the agenda. They were looking to play on the counter-attack trying to catch United in their own defensive third when both full-backs were pushed high. Using the pace of Alisha Lehmann and Kenza Dali to play through the channels and use them as their main attacking outlet.