by Staff Writer
Thursday, 28th August 2025
West Ham United Women were defeated 2–0 by Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at Meadow Park on Wednesday evening.
The match remained even until the final quarter of the game, when a late brace from Norwegian international Frida Maanum secured a win for the hosts.
The first half was closely contested, with both teams creating limited opportunities. Arsenal and England's Chloe Kelly delivered a cross in the 10th minute that evaded everyone in the penalty area.
West Ham responded with a dangerous corner from Verena Hanshaw in the 23rd minute, finding Riko Ueki at the back post. Ueki’s header was well-directed, but saved at the near post by Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Shelina Zadorsky and Oona Siren made crucial blocks to block Arsenal’s attacking efforts just before the end of the first half.
The second half saw Arsenal's Frida Maanum introduced at half time and she made an immediate impact with a shot that just went wide.
A quick stoppage for Injuries occurred in the 64th minute when Ueki and Arsenal’s Leila Codina collided in the centre circle. Both players received medical attention on the field, but were able to continue after a few moments on the sidelines.
In the 72nd minute, Maanum finally opened the scoring with a header from Jenna Nighswonger’s cross. And just eight minutes later she doubled Arsenal's lead with a low finish that flew past Irons 'keeper Kinga Szemik.
West Ham responded quickly, creating several opportunities although Szemik made a crucial save to prevent the hosts from extending their lead further, denying Arsenal’s Taylor Hinds from close range and keeping the deficit at two.
Despite their best efforts, West Ham were unable to break down Arsenal’s defence in the closing stages and the match concluded with a 2–0 victory for Arsenal .
Reflecting on the performance, Hammers boss Rehanne Skinner said: “Every game we take as it comes. When we get the pieces of the puzzle right, we’ll compete with everyone in this league.
"This is our sixth pre-season game and we've been progressing really positively as a team overall. Today was another step up against the Champions League winners. That's what we want at this stage to help us to prepare for the start of the season.
"There's little bits to look at with the goals, but right here, right now, the number of players that have played over pre-season, the minutes that they’ve had, the preparation, everyone's in a really, really good space.
"Tonight showed that we’re close, and once the new players fully settle, we’ll be stronger."
West Ham Utd: Szemik, Endo (Denton 46), Nystrom (Tysiak 46), Zadorsky (Belloumou 64), Hanshaw, Gorry (c), Siren, Asseyi (Wandeler 64), Paví (Morgan 46), Piubel, Ueki
Subs not used: Walsh, O’Hanlon, Houssein, Brown, Cemal
Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox (Reid 46), Wubben-Moy (Codina 46), Catley (Hinds 46), Little (c) (Nighswonger 46), McCabe (Harwood 64), Kelly (Maanum 46), Foord (Mead 46), Pelova (Lia 82), Russo (Smith 46), Cooney-Cross
Subs not used: Zinsberger, Wellesley-Smith
Goals: Maanum (73, 81)
Referee: Lisa Benn
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