by Staff Writer
Wednesday, 10th September 2025
Rehanne Skinner has called on her team to be sharper in front of goal as they prepare to face Arsenal under the lights on Friday evening.
The Hammers slipped to a narrow 1–0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend and while Skinner was pleased with much of her team’s performance, she admitted the final touch - which resulted in the Hammers enjoying just one shot on target during the 90 minutes - was missing.
“We had three really good chances and needed to hit the target,” reflected Skinner, while addressing the media during her pre-match press conference. “We didn’t feel we did enough to win, but we shouldn’t have lost either.
"Overall I am disappointed with the result although I was pleased with the shape, the set-up and the way we went about the game. There are obviously things to work on but we’ve shown in pre-season that we’re capable of doing that. We just didn’t quite transfer it into the game, and we’ll be looking to improve on that on Friday."
Attention now turns to Arsenal, a side packed with attacking quality who visit the Chigwell Community Stadium this Friday evening. Skinner acknowledged the challenge, but believes her players can rise to the occasion.
“You expect a team like Arsenal to have a lot of different attacking threats," she argued. "They’ve got plenty of players that can put the ball in the back of the net, so you can’t prevent everything, but we’ll work diligently to reduce the options they have.
"For us, it’s also about how we use the ball, staying composed and making sure we impose ourselves when in possession.”
Friday’s fixture will also mark West Ham’s first home game of the season at the home of Dagenham & Redbridge FC, with Skinner welcoming the atmosphere of an evening kick-off.
“Players enjoy playing under the lights," she insisted. "It brings something different, and hopefully it adds to the experience for everyone.
"It’s a chance to see if it works in terms of attracting fans and adding to the atmosphere. We’re always looking at ways to help the game grow, and this is part of that. But the objective doesn’t change; we want to get as many points as possible out of every game."
There was further good news for the squad this week, with striker Riko Ueki signing an early contract extension earlier this week. Skinner described the deal as “a huge statement” and praised the Japan international as a “key part of what we’re building.”
Meanwhile midfielder Yu Endo is also back in contention, while goalkeeper Kinga Szemik continues her recovery having been injured after colliding with a post during last weekend's opening day defeat at Brisbane Road.
"We are 100 per cent behind Kinga, whether she’s able to play or not," confirmed Skinner. "She has definitely improved, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on her progress in the coming days. Yu is back fit as well, which is a positive for us. She’ll be available in the squad this weekend."
Skinner’s message is clear: with composure, and clinical finishing, West Ham are determined to make a statement of their own against one of the league’s elite.
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