Katrina Gorry was named player of the match. She almost missed the game

Australia’s Katrina Gorry starred in West Ham’s historic 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Women’s Super League to steer them clear of the relegation zone, but revealed after the match that she almost missed the game.

Gorry posted on social media after picking up the player of the match award for a second straight week.

Katrina Gorry, pictured here eluding Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema, is proving one of the WSL buys of the season.Credit: Getty Images

She said it had “been a week” as her two-year-old Harper had thrown up all over the back seat of the car just as the midfielder pulled into the stadium.

“We drove straight back home to bath her and put her to bed. I somehow made it back for warm-up,” Gorry posted to her Instagram story.

She said West Ham were “built different” for their support of her parenting duties.

“Every player and staff member got behind me so I could still do my job then get back home to my girl. There’s something special about this club and I’m so incredibly grateful to be a part of it.”

Gorry and Mackenzie Arnold triumphed over Matildas teammates Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross. They stunned the star-studded Gunners, coming from 1-0 down to secure the three points.

It was arguably the shock of the WSL so far this season, as West Ham put clear air between themselves and Bristol City at the bottom of the table, while also potentially ending Arsenal’s title chances.

Gorry is also shaping to be the transfer of the latest window, playing a pivotal role for the Hammers since making the move from Vittsjo GIK following the end of her contract in Sweden in early january.

A Sam Kerr-less Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win in the late kick-off against struggling Everton to go six points clear of third-placed Arsenal at the top of the WSL, and three ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

At City’s Joie Stadium, the home side beat Courtney Nevin’s Leicester City 2-0 thanks to goals to England duo Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly. Mary Fowler, struggling for game time in a squad packed with internationals, came on in the 77th minute for Laura Coombs. Alanna Kennedy, still returning from injury, remained on the bench.

Mackenzie Arnold attempts to clear the ball for West Ham.Credit: Getty Images

In east London, Alessia Russo struck with a header before the break for Arsenal, but West Ham hit back in the 50th minute after Catley conceded a penalty – though whether the contact with Riko Ueki occurred inside the box was questionable. With no VAR to check, French international Viviane Asseyi made no mistake from the spot to equalise.

Just eight minutes later, West Ham were ahead when a poor clearance from Arsenal keeper Manuela Zinsberger ended up at the feet of French defender Hawa Cissoko, who hammered it into the corner of the net.

West Ham were able to withstand a wave of late Arsenal attacks to seal a famous victory – their first-ever WSL win over their London rivals.

West Ham captain Arnold told the BBC the win was well-deserved.

“Honestly, it’s unbelievable – it’s hard to put it into words. Arsenal are such a big team to beat ... and you see our position on the table and how important that [win] was to us,” she said.

“It’s a credit to the whole team – I think we’ve had this coming and we deserve every part of this win.

“I think the belief has always been there, but the results haven’t been coming our way. I am just so proud of the girls.”

Gorry – who bossed the midfield for West Ham, co-ordinating play and aggressively pressing Arsenal – proved once again what a pivotal player she could prove in keeping Rehanne Skinner’s side in the WSL.

Elsewhere, Matildas defender Charli Grant started for Tottenham Hotspur as they drew 1-1 with Liverpool in the battle for fifth place. The sides remain locked on 19 points, separated only by goal difference.

In the early kick-off, Nikita Parris staked a further claim for an England recall with two unanswered goals for Manchester United against Brighton & Hove Albion, who were playing for the first time since the shock sacking of manager Melissa Phillips on Thursday.

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