London City Lionesses suffered their first defeat of the Women's Super League season as they were unable to mount a second-half fightback in a 2-1 defeat at West Ham. 

Having opened 2026-27 with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United, a star-studded London City side captained by Alexia Putellas fell behind to goals from Kelly Gago and Viviane Asseyi on Saturday, with Danielle van de Donk's strike proving a mere consolation.

Elene Lete started between the sticks in place of Mary Earps for London City, and the Spaniard was worked early on by Asseyi. 

But West Ham's bright start was rewarded in the 21st minute as Van de Donk's giveaway led to Seraina Piubel releasing Gago through on goal, and the France striker rounded Lete before tapping into an unguarded net.

Putellas passed up a decent chance for her first WSL goal before half-time, blazing over on the rebound after Constance Piccaud-Inconnu thwarted Van de Donk, and West Ham doubled their advantage through Asseyi's superb run and finish in the 48th minute.

Having started her run inside her own half, she raced onto Riko Ueki's through-ball, held off Isa Kardinaal and side-footed neatly past the onrushing Lete.

A lovely back-heeled finish from Van de Donk – almost identical to her winner against United last week – got London City back within one goal with 16 minutes to play, but they were unable to force an equaliser as the hosts earned their first win of the campaign.

Asseyi strikes again as West Ham shock big-spending visitors

Having ended 2025-26 with a win before their eye-catching success over United, London City were looking to win three straight WSL matches for the very first time.

But they gave themselves too much of a mountain to climb, and despite ending the match with 13 shots to West Ham's eight (albeit losing the expected goals battle by 1.31 to 1.68 xG), they were unable to stage a comeback.

Asseyi's goal proved decisive, and she has now found the net 25 times for West Ham in the WSL. She is just the sixth player to net 25 times for a non-'big four' side, after Rachel Daly (41 for Aston Villa), Bethany England (32 for Spurs), Fara Williams (26 for Reading), Rachel Williams (26 for Birmingham) and Jess Clarke (25 for Notts County).

London City could at least cheer another instinctive finish from Van de Donk, who now has six WSL goals against West Ham – her joint-most against any club (also Bristol City).