West Ham claimed their first Women’s Super League win of the season with a 2-1 home victory over London City Lionesses. Kelly Gago put the Hammers ahead after 21 minutes, racing between the centre-backs Mapi León and Isa Kardinaal to latch on to Seraina Piubel’s pass from nearly halfway and rounding Elene Lete in the London City goal.

Daniëlle van de Donk was denied an equaliser when Constance Picaud-Inconnu saved low, with Alexia Putellas, another of London City’s big-name summer signings, lifting the rebound over the bar under the challenge of Inès Belloumou.

Viviane Asseyi doubled West Ham’s lead three minutes after the break after being released by Riko Ueki, running the length of the London City half before firing home.

London City set up a frantic finish after Van de Donk’s clever backheel from Kadidiatou Diani’s low cross crept in at the near post 14 minutes from time.

The veteran Netherlands forward had scored a similar goal with the winner against Manchester United on the opening weekend – this defeat at Chigwell Construction Stadium was a reality check for Maestre’s side as they seek to challenge the top teams in the WSL.

West Ham bounced back after their defeat to Tottenham. “I saw the spirit that I want to see every time, it’s part of our identity,” said their head coach, Rita Guarino. “We can’t forget that we have this kind of value and we need to show it in every single game.”