The hosts wasted no time asserting control, taking the lead inside four minutes when Stina Blackstenius converted from close range after being picked out by Chloe Kelly. That early breakthrough opened the floodgates for a relentless attacking display, with Arsenal repeatedly threatening but initially denied by a resilient performance from West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik.
Despite a series of saves to keep the scoreline respectable in the first half, the visitors struggled to contain Arsenal’s attacking intensity. Just two minutes after the restart, Alessia Russo doubled the advantage, rising to head home a well-delivered cross from Smilla Holmberg.
Arsenal’s grip on the match tightened further in the 55th minute when Kelly found the net with a precise strike from the edge of the box—her first league goal since October. The England international soon added a second, capitalising on a defensive error to slot home from close range and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
The rout was completed in stoppage time when Beth Mead latched onto another incisive pass from Holmberg before firing past Szemik, capping a comprehensive performance that left West Ham with little to show for their efforts.
There was, however, a moment of concern for the visitors as Eva Nyström was forced off on a stretcher after sustaining an injury while bravely preventing Blackstenius from adding another goal.
The result keeps Arsenal in fourth place, though crucially with two games in hand on the teams above them, strengthening their push for a UEFA Women’s Champions League spot. West Ham, meanwhile, remain near the foot of the table in 11th position.
Dominance Reflects Arsenal’s Growing Momentum
Arsenal’s superiority was evident throughout, finishing with 23 shots—11 of them on target—compared to just a single effort from West Ham. Kelly’s standout performance, which included two goals and an assist, underlined her influence, while teenager Smilla Holmberg impressed with her creativity, registering two assists.
The victory extends Arsenal’s unbeaten league run to 11 matches, a streak dating back to their last defeat against Manchester City in October. Their form at the Emirates has been particularly formidable, with the team yet to lose a home league fixture this season.
Manager Renée Slegers also continues to make history, becoming the first to go unbeaten in her first 16 home matches in the WSL, highlighting the growing consistency and confidence within the squad.
With six games remaining, Arsenal remain firmly in contention for a top-three finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition.
What’s Next
Attention now turns to continental action, as Arsenal prepare to host Chelsea in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final. West Ham, meanwhile, will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming clash with London City Lionesses.