by Staff Writer
Monday, 12th January 2026
West Ham United Women endured a challenging afternoon as Chelsea Women ran out convincing winners in today’s Women’s Super League encounter.
Facing the reigning champions, the Hammers were tested by a side full of quality and experience, with the visitors eventually claiming a 5–0 victory.
Chelsea made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening minute when a dangerous ball into the box resulted in an unfortunate own goal, giving West Ham an early setback.
The Blues dominated possession in the opening stages and doubled their advantage midway through the first half, as Lauren James reacted quickest to a loose ball and finished clinically.
Despite West Ham’s efforts to settle and regain control, Chelsea continued to apply pressure. The visitors added a third just before the break through Alyssa Thompson, before Sandy Baltimore produced a superb strike moments later to send Chelsea into half-time with a four-goal lead.
The second half saw West Ham show greater defensive resilience and organisation, working hard to limit Chelsea’s opportunities and stay compact. However, the Blues were awarded a penalty midway through the half, which Baltimore converted to make it 5–0 and complete the scoring.
Although the result was disappointing, there were positives for West Ham to take from the contest. The side continued to compete throughout, showing determination and work rate against one of the league’s strongest teams.
New manager Rita Guarino, speaking after the match said: “We’re disappointed with the scoreline, of course, but we were playing against a top Chelsea side and there are lessons we’ll take from this.
"I was pleased with the way the players kept going, particularly in the second half. The work rate and attitude never dropped, and that’s something we can build on as we move forward.”
Verena Hanshaw added: “It was a tough game against one of the best teams in the league, We know the result isn’t good enough, but we stayed together and kept fighting right to the end. There are positives for us, especially in how we defended as a unit in the second half, and we’ll take that into the next match.”
There were also valuable minutes for younger players and squad members, who gained important experience against elite opposition. With lessons learned and a clear focus on development, West Ham will look to take the positives from today’s performance as they regroup and prepare for the next Women’s Super League fixture.
West Ham Utd: Szemik, Morgan, Endo, Nystrom, Hanshaw, Belloumou, Siren, Gorry (c) (Csiki 46), Ueki (Brasero 88), Asseyi (Piubel 83), Martinez (Wandeler 76)
Unused subs: Walsh, Cascarino, Houssein, Taylor-Brown, Cemal
Booked: Asseyi
Chelsea: Hampton, Carpenter, Bright (c), Buurman, Nusken (Potter 61), Cuthbert (Kaptein 46), James (Reiten 61), Thompson (Kerr 61), Girma, Baltimore (Sarwie 80), Kaneryd
Unused subs: Spencer, Peng, Bronze, Shooter
Goals: Endo (og 1), James (28), Thompson (40), Baltimore (44, 70)
Booked: Cuthbert
Player Ratings
Kinga Szemik: 6/10 Made several solid saves to keep the scoreline from being even bigger, showing good reflexes despite the overwhelming pressure in front of her.
Yu Endo: 5/10 A difficult afternoon as the early own goal set the tone. Worked hard defensively thereafter but was regularly pressed by Chelsea’s attackers.
Oona Siren: 6/10 Showed commitment and energy, making a number of blocks and interceptions, but was ultimately beaten in a fast-paced attack that Chelsea constantly recycled.
Verena Hanshaw: 6/10 Defensive discipline was tested repeatedly; Hanshaw won challenges and tried to organise the defence, though the backline struggled as a unit.
Ffion Morgan: 6/10 Put in plenty of effort down the flank and supported transitions when possible, but service into the final third was limited.
Katrina Gorry (c): 6/10 Led by example in midfield with energy and leadership, tracking back consistently and trying to link play despite limited possession.
Shekiera Martinez: 6/10 Active in pressing and offered some forward intent, though chances were few and far between against a commanding Chelsea defence.
Viviane Asseyi: 5/10 Committed in attempts to spark attacks but risks and turnovers in advanced areas gave little consistent threat.
Riko Ueki: 5/10 Worked hard to find space but was largely kept in check by a tight Chelsea backline that gave little room to operate.
Shekiera Martinez: 6/10 Appeared early before substitution; contributed effort and pressing.
Leila Wandeler: 6/10 Injected fresh legs in the later stages and battled in midfield.
Seraina Piubel: 6/10 Positive intent on entry, linking up play and adding energy.
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