1. Continuing to compete with the WSL's toughest opponents
West Ham United women’s team manager Rehanne Skinner stated in her pre-match press conference that her side relished the opportunity to show the rest of the Barclays Women’s Super League what they can do when they played Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in March.
So, when Manchester United travelled to Chigwell Construction Stadium on Saturday, did anyone expect their attitude to change?
The Hammers faced their third-place opponents head on, going toe-to-toe with a side that had the wind in their sails after they booked their spot in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final last time out.
While Manchester United came closest to scoring when Celin Bizet crashed the crossbar in the first half, the Irons had their moments, and had their opponents back-tracking on many occasions when they broke with pace on the counter-attack.
The draw with the Red Devils extends Skinner’s side’s unbeaten run to four matches. Also, across the last five games, they have faced the top four teams in the table and have lost just once.
2. You shall not pass!
Sixteen. The number of successive matches in all competitions that Manchester United had scored in. That run, of course, ended on Saturday, when they could not find a way past West Ham United women’s team.
Kinga Szemik and her backline made it back-to-back home clean sheets, their fourth of the WSL campaign, but had to work for it. The Poland international was alert to deny the Red Devils on five occasions and her defence put their bodies on the line in the dying stages to block a strike from Melvine Malard.
The Hammers shot-stopper, speaking post-match, said: “That’s awesome [to keep a second clean sheet in three matches], but I'm just one factor. The whole team works for that, so I'm just thankful that the girls were really supportive today as well.
“The marking was really, really good in the box, and they really minimised my job in the goal. There were a few deliveries into the box that the defenders dealt with really well, so it’s a team effort.
“The defenders basically put their bodies on the line, but this is how much we care, and this shows how much we're willing to sacrifice anything to not get scored against and record clean sheets.”
"Look at this outrageous piece of skill..." 😮💨
Matt Beard and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk on Riko Ueki's impact at West Ham United 👏 pic.twitter.com/tfFvYOlmyf— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) April 19, 2025
3. Stop that, Ueki
Riko Ueki’s silky skills were a highlight of Saturday’s draw against Manchester United. The Japan international showcased her flair to create opportunities in tight spaces, whether that be via an unorthodox but audacious flick, or a deft touch through the legs of a visiting defender.
Her moments of brilliance certainly caught the eye, and she was rewarded with the Barclays Player of the Match award after the game.
