Brighton player ratings vs West Ham: Seagulls trio each score 8/10 as Arsenal loanee hits stunner
An emphatic 4-1 victory against West Ham saw the Seagulls secure their first win of the new Women's Super League season in style.
A strong press in the first half rewarded the Seagulls with an abundance of chances, with centre-back Caitlin Hayes the one to capitalise as she headed in Fran Kirby’s cross on 23 minutes.
While captain Maisie Symonds’ long-range strike clipped the crossbar and striker Michelle Agyemang came close, Seike soon combined with lively debutant Kafaji to fire in the Seagulls’ second.
Three half-time changes appeared to have instantly worked its magic for West Ham, as Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie slid into substitute Ffion Morgan for a penalty in the 51st minute.
Viviane Asseyi made no mistake from the spot, however the positive Irons’ spell proved short-lived as Kafaji restored Brighton’s two goal lead just seven minutes later with a stunning strike across goal.
Lifted by the summer signing’s conversion, the Seagulls increased their intent as Kafaji and Seike squandered opportunities to further increase the deficit. Full-back Marisa Olislagers was the player to claim Brighton’s fourth, with her looping effort securing all three points in style at Broadfield.
These are the Brighton player ratings for their 4-1 victory over West Ham.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK) - 5 Untroubled in the first half. Made a grave error in wiping out Morgan to award the Irons a penalty, and failed to save Asseyi’s strike.
Charlize Rule - 7 An impressive display while tasked with playing at full-back, containing West Ham’s attacking threat and kickstarting some of Albion’s play. Headed a promising chance just wide of goal.
Caitlin Hayes - 8 Provided various vital interceptions during her first start of the season, while rising highest to meet Kirby’s cross and power her header past Kinga Szemik.
Moeka Minami - 6 Made several important clearances during the visitors’ early advances, and looked solid throughout alongside Hayes.
Marisa Olislagers - 7 Promising connection on the flank with Kafaji, and picked out Rule with one of several threatening deliveries. Scored Albion’s fourth with a strike in off the bar.
Maisie Symonds C - 6 As always the skipper kept play ticking in the midfield, and skimmed the crossbar with an audacious long-range effort.
Jelena Čanković - 7 Helped to crowd out Shekiera Martinez when the striker looked to drop deep, and drove with the ball through the heart of the midfield.
Fran Kirby - 6 Linked Albion’s play in the first half, providing a pinpoint corner-kick delivery to Hayes for Albion’s opener. Was contained by the Irons in a quieter second 45.
Kiko Seike - 8 Arguably Albion’s most influential player, performing a one-two with Kafaji before firing in Albion’s second. Jinked her way into the box but failed to find Camacho, and clipped the post with a shot.
Michelle Aygemang - 7 Led the Albion press and was always lurking deep in the box. Gifted an early opportunity to put the Albion ahead but failed to convert on the follow-up.
Rosa Kafaji - 8 A determined display on her full Albion debut, getting the better of Anouk Denton. Recorded an assist for Seike’s strike before unleashing a rocket to make it 3-1.
Brighton substitutes: Nadine Noordam - 5 Replaced Symonds in the 71st minute. The centre-back occupied positions in and around the box, providing the assist for Albion’s fourth goal.
Carla Camacho - 6 On for Kafaji in the 71st minute, held up the ball well to distribute play while under pressure.
Marit Auée - 5 Replaced Rule in the 88th minute, playing several long balls forward from the backline.
Fuka Tsunoda - 5 Replaced Kirby in the 88th minute to mark her Albion debut and provided several challenges in the closing stages.
Tahirah Heron - 5 Introduced for Seike in additional time and earned her side a corner as the youngster looked to create a late impression.