by Staff Writer
Monday, 23rd March 2026
West Ham United Women have experienced a turbulent run of form over the past few weeks, with performances swinging between resilience and heavy defeat.
A notable positive came in their 0–0 draw against Manchester United, where the team showed strong discipline. Goalkeeper Kinga Szemik impressed, while centre-back Eva Nyström delivered a standout performance and earned the Player of the Match award.
However, that momentum did not carry into their next match, as they suffered a heavy 5–0 defeat to Arsenal Women. The game exposed defensive weaknesses and a lack of attacking threat, with West Ham struggling to cope with the quality and intensity of their opponents.
New manager Rita Guarino described the result as disappointing, pointing to lapses in concentration and an inability to maintain structure throughout the match.
In terms of injuries, there was concern for Eva Nyström during the Arsenal game when she was forced off on a stretcher following a heavy challenge. Given her importance to the defence, this initially appeared to be a serious setback.
Fortunately, early updates suggested the injury may not be as severe as first feared, offering some relief for the squad. Even so, the incident highlights how vulnerable West Ham are to disruptions in key defensive areas.
There has been some encouragement on the injury front with the return of Shelina Zadorsky, who came back into action after around four months out. Her return provides valuable experience and depth at the back, which is particularly important given the uncertainty surrounding Nyström.
Zadorsky’s presence should help bring more stability to a defence that has looked unsettled at times.
Overall, West Ham’s recent period has been defined by inconsistency, defensive challenges, and the impact of injuries. While they have shown they are capable of positive performances, especially against strong opposition, heavy defeats like the one against Arsenal underline the gap they still need to close.
With key players returning and others working back to fitness, the team will be aiming to regain stability and finish the season on a stronger note.
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