by Staff Writer
Sunday, 2nd November 2025
West Ham United Women endured another frustrating afternoon in the Barclays Women’s Super League, falling to a narrow 1–0 defeat against Manchester City at the Joie Stadium.
Despite the good performance, the Hammers were undone by a single moment of quality in the first half. Missed opportunities from West Ham could have changed the outcome, but unfortunately it was was not to be.
City started the brighter of the two sides, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. West Ham’s back line, led by Amber Tysiak and Shelina Zadorsky were kept busy early on as Aoba Fujino and Lauren Hemp were quick to try the flanks.
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute, when Vivianne Miedema slipped a clever ball into the path of Fujino, who finished low past Kinga Szemik to give City the lead.
West Ham, to their credit didn’t fold. Captain Katrina Gorry began to control the midfield, breaking up play and trying to set Riko Ueki and Viviane Asseyi free on the counter. Just before half-time, Asseyi went closest to levelling when her curling effort struck the crossbar.
In the second half, the Hammers showed more forward play. Shekiera Martinez and Ona Siren combined well down the right, stretching the City defence, while Gorry continued to lead by example in the middle of the park.
Substitute Seraina Piubel added fresh energy when introduced, driving at defenders and linking play in the final third. However, clear chances remained scarce as City’s defence, marshalled by Alex Greenwood stood firm.
The closing stages saw West Ham commit players forward in search of an equaliser. A teasing delivery from Endo caused panic in the City box, and Ueki went close with a near-post flick that flashed just wide. But the visitors couldn’t find the breakthrough, and City saw out the match to take all three points.
After the game, Rehanne Skinner admitted her frustration but praised her side’s resilience against one of the league’s top teams. “I can’t fault the effort, the players gave everything tonight," she said. "We created moments, but at this level, you have to take your chances. It’s another tight game that slipped away from us, and that’s the most disappointing part.”
Katrina Gorry, who captained the team, echoed her manager’s thoughts. “It’s tough to keep saying we’re improving when the results aren’t showing it," she added. "We’re competing well, but we need to find that edge in both boxes, defensively and in attack, to start turning performances into points.”
The defeat marks West Ham’s sixth consecutive loss in all competitions, leaving them in a difficult position in the WSL table. The lack of goals remains a growing concern for Skinner’s side. With fixtures coming thick and fast, something will need to change soon if the Hammers are to stop their slide and reignite their season.
West Ham Utd: Szemik, Endo, Tysiak, Zadorsky, Endo (Brasero 87), Siren (Csiki 74), Gorry , Morgan (Hanshaw 79), Asseyi, Ueki, Martinez (Wandeler 74)
Subs not used: Walsh, Belloumou, Paví, Nyström, Houssein
Manchester City: Yamashita, Rose, Shaw, Miedema, Ouahabi, Casparij , Brown, Fujino, Beney (Coombs 76), Hasegawa, Prior
Subs not used: Keating, Clinton, Wienroither, Knaak, Thomas, Oldroyd, Burdon, Shikhshabekova
Goals: Fujino (26)
Player Ratings
Kinga Szemik (6) Made several key saves and commanded her area confidently, but could do little about the goal.
Yu Endo (6) Worked tirelessly on the flank but struggled to cope with City’s pace and width at times.
Amber Tysiak (7) Strong in the air and read the game well. One of West Ham’s most dependable performers on the day.
Shelina Zadorsky (6) Showed composure and leadership at the back, though struggled slightly with City’s quick passing combinations.
Ona Siren (6) Had a tough afternoon defensively but continued to push forward and provide an outlet down the left.
Katrina Gorry (C) (7) Energetic and composed in midfield, leading by example. Tried to dictate the tempo but lacked support around her.
Ffion Morgan (5) Couldn’t find much space to influence play and was replaced early in the second half.
Viviane Asseyi (7) West Ham’s most dangerous attacker. Unlucky not to score with her first-half strike that hit the bar.
Riko Ueki (6) Worked hard up top but was often isolated and couldn’t find a clear sight of goal.
Shekiera Martinez (6) Lively on the right and provided an attacking spark early on but faded as City took control.
Seraina Piubel (6) Added drive and intent from midfield after coming on, bringing fresh energy to West Ham’s attack.
Leila Wandeler (6) Provided fresh legs on the wing but struggled to find space against City’s compact defence.
Sarah Brassero (6) Came into a tough match and showed flashes of composure on the ball, but found it difficult to contain Manchester City’s pace and movement. Still adapting to the physicality of the WSL.
Anna Csiki (6) Worked hard defensively when called upon and tried to push forward when possible. However, her influence was limited against City’s dominant midfield.
Verena Hanshaw (6) Offered solidity at the back and made some well-timed challenges. Tried to link up with Siren on the left but was forced to defend deep for much of the game.
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