WSL: West Ham triumphed over Tottenham, moving ahead of their London competitors, with Manchester City facing Chelsea and Aston Villa taking on Manchester United next.

West Ham United secured a vital 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Victoria Road, propelling themselves above their London rivals and into eighth place in the Women’s Super League table.

The match was defined by an own goal from Josefine Rybrink and a late free-kick from Viviane Asseyi, which ultimately sealed the fate of the visitors.

Both teams started with attacking intent, but it was West Ham who created the first meaningful opportunity. Riko Ueki set up Katrina Gorry, whose shot was well blocked by the Spurs defence.

Tottenham had the best chance in the early stages when the ball fell to Ella Morris in the box. Her driven shot was parried by goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, but the out-of-form Martha Thomas failed to connect properly, allowing West Ham to escape unscathed.

The hosts capitalised on that missed opportunity just minutes later. Verena Hanshaw drove into the box and drilled the ball across the face of goal, resulting in a deflection off Rybrink that deceived goalkeeper Lize Kop. The unfortunate Rybrink was credited with the own goal.

Spurs attempted to respond with pressure, but their final ball was lacking, and West Ham dealt comfortably with any crosses into the box.

As the half progressed, the Hammers nearly doubled their lead when a scramble in the box fell to Shekiera Martinez, who turned and fired a shot wide from close range. Oona Siren then squandered an even better chance, guiding her header straight at Kop from just a few yards out.

Tottenham searched for an equaliser before the break, with Drew Spence sending a shot wide and Eveliina Summanen striking the bar with a stunning free-kick.

The second half began with Tottenham enjoying more territory, but their struggles to break down the West Ham defence continued. The hosts threatened again from a corner, with Ueki’s header flying over the bar.

By the hour mark, West Ham had established control of the match, keeping Spurs at bay. They nearly doubled their lead when Gorry’s shot from the edge of the box forced an excellent save from Kop.

Despite their struggles, Tottenham remained a threat and came close to equalising when Morris surged down the right, cutting the ball back for Thomas, whose effort struck the post.

Spence then had a penalty appeal waved away after going down in the box, and frustration grew for Spurs as Thomas had another half-chance, heading straight at Szemik.

As Tottenham committed more players forward in search of a goal, they were caught out by West Ham, who sealed their victory in the 90th minute. Asseyi’s wide free-kick evaded everyone and found the bottom corner, confirming a well-deserved win for the Hammers.