West Ham United pushed Arsenal all the way in their FA Continental Tyres Cup opener on Sunday, but were edged out by Katie McCabe’s double as the defending champions ran out 3-1 winners.
In the first game of their new era as a Women’s Super League club, the Hammers gave as good as they got against one of the biggest names in the women’s game, with Brianna Visalli’s 48th minute goal giving Arsenal plenty to think about.
At that stage they led 2-0 through McCabe’s opener and Beth Mead’s header, but West Ham were on the front foot for much of the second period and threatened to take a share of the spoils until McCabe sealed it for the hosts ten minutes from time.