Liverpool Women were impressive against West Ham last weekend - but they were once again left to rue a host of missed chances
Three minutes. That's all that stood between Liverpool and their third Women's Super League win of the season.
After a disappointing showing against Everton in the Merseyside derby, Liverpool once again bore all the hallmarks of a side in the ascendency. But it was Hammers striker Riko Ueki who changed the narrative in the 95th minute, capitalising on some shoddy defending to bundle home an equaliser three minutes from time.
Instead, Ueki's goal saw the Reds drop to sixth, offering a stark reminder of the fine margins that separate the top flight's elite from the rest of the pile. Last season, Beard regularly lamented his side's profligacy in front of goal, highlighting a failure to convert chances as the Reds' "achilles heel." And again on Sunday, the Liverpool boss was left to rue a catalogue of missed opportunities.
It was a level-headed appraisal from the Liverpool boss, who will know better than anyone his side have spurned a golden opportunity to get another three points on the board. Ahead of Sunday's trip to the capital, Beard had been quizzed on whether the Reds must beat opponents like West Ham if they are to really cement themselves as a force in the WSL once more.
A point at West Ham ensures Liverpool are at least keeping pace with the manager's expectations at this nascent stage of the campaign. Considering the Reds two wins came against high calibre opponents in Arsenal and Aston Villa, there is much for Beard's side to feel positive about as they enter this brief hiatus in the domestic season.
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