West Ham United opened their 2026/27 WSL campaign with a bruising 3–1 defeat at Tottenham, undone by sharp finishing and a ruthless home side at BetWright Stadium.

The Hammers actually began on the front foot, enjoying early possession and carving out half-chances through Riko Ueki and the lively left‑side pairing of Nadine Riesen and Viviane Asseyi. But Spurs struck first: Signe Gaupset pounced on Julie Blakstad’s knockdown and steered a volley in off the post. West Ham responded with intent – Katie Zelem stinging Lize Kop’s palms and Yu Endo stretching for a back‑post chance – yet the hosts doubled their lead when Gaupset slid in Kirsty Hanson, who finished coolly beyond Constance Picaud‑Inconnu.

Tottenham tightened their grip after the break, forcing saves from Picaud‑Inconnu and threatening repeatedly down the right. Hanson eventually sealed the contest with a curling left‑footer into the top corner.

Rita Guarino’s side kept pushing, debutant Kelly Gago adding presence up front, and Asseyi driving at Spurs whenever space appeared. Their persistence earned a late reward when Saki Kumagai slipped Asseyi through to flick home in stoppage time – a neat finish, but only consolation on a tough opening afternoon.

​

Tottenham Hotspur:

Kop, Dijkstra, Nilden, Gaupset (Pelova), Tandberg (Martinez 59), Vinberg (Nilden), Hanson (Holdt), Spence, Summanen, Koga (Morris), Blakstad