This game saw the WSL’s bottom two meet, both knowing the loser would spend Christmas in the relegation play-off place.
It has been a particularly difficult first part of the season for Liverpool manager Taylor, who has had major personnel issues to deal with alongside his team’s poor form.
The return of veteran defender Bonner from injury on Sunday was initially very welcome but the 34-year-old’s controversial early dismissal – her first in 156 WSL games – serves as yet another blow for the embattled Taylor.
In a game where Liverpool would have hoped to be competitive and potentially earn a first league win of the campaign, they failed to have a shot on target during a first half in which they were constantly on the back foot. This followed their 3-0 loss at Villa on Thursday when they also did not have an effort on goal.
However, in Olsson they have a constant get-out-of-jail card. The Swede now has five WSL goals this season and is a rare bright spark for the side in a dire campaign.
For West Ham, things are not much better. Liverpool’s failings have helped mask the Hammers’ abysmal WSL record after 11 games, with them collecting just five points.
The Hammers wasted the first-half chances they created after Bonner’s early red – Ueki heading straight at Kirby from close range and the Reds keeper making a spreading stop from Asseyi.
And while they do have attacking talent, West Ham’s defence is a major concern. They are shipping at a rate of more than two a match – 24 conceded in 11 games, the most conceded in the league.
Next year may be just as tough for these two sides as 2025 proved to be.