When Rehanne Skinner, head coach of West Ham United Women stepped onto the podium at the Chadwell Heath Training Ground on Thursday, 2 October 2025, she made it clear she wasn’t losing sleep over the club’s precarious spot in the Women's Super League. The press conference, scheduled for 14:00 BST, was a routine part of the team’s match‑day preparation ahead of their home showdown with Aston Villa Women at the London Stadium on Sunday, 5 October.
Why the Pressure Wasn't on the Table
West Ham sit bottom of the league after three games, zero points, no goals scored and five conceded. Aston Villa’s situation mirrors that misery – they too are winless, with a solitary point from a 1‑1 draw against Manchester United. Yet Skinner shrugged off the looming spectre of relegation, saying, “I’m not worried about the table. It’s still early, and we have time to turn things around.” The twist is that she also refused to label the Villa match a "must‑win" – a stance that raised eyebrows among pundits who expected a desperate push.
Press Conference Highlights
During the 30‑minute briefing, Skinner tackled three main themes:
- League context: She reminded reporters that the first six weeks of a WSL season often see wild swings in form.
- Team morale: “The girls are hungry,” she said, noting a recent training drill that focused on quick transitions.
- Tactical tweaks: Two changes to the starting eleven were confirmed – a switch to a more compact midfield and the inclusion of a youth‑player striker.
When asked directly whether a win was essential, Skinner simply replied, “I am not.” The subtle implication was that pressure would be kept off the players, allowing them to express themselves without the weight of league survival.
What Changed on the Pitch?
Skinner’s two lineup adjustments were the most tangible takeaways. Veteran midfielder Lena Bennett was dropped in favour of the younger Maya O’Connor, who has impressed in the club’s U‑21 side with three goals in five appearances. Up front, the experienced forward Emma Davies was replaced by the 19‑year‑old academy product Sofia Miller. Skinner explained the shift as an attempt to inject pace and "raw energy" into the attack, especially against a Villa side that favours a high‑pressing game.
Match Day: A Tough Lesson
The Sunday encounter at the London Stadium turned into a 2‑0 defeat for the Hammers. Villa capitalised early, with a well‑taken corner in the 12th minute finding striker Leah Cunningham who headed home. West Ham struggled to create clear chances – Maya O’Connor’s first‑half debut saw her drift wide, and Sofia Miller’s debut was limited to a brief cameo before a tactical substitution at halftime.
Second‑half pressure from Villa forced another mistake: a misplaced pass led to a swift counter‑attack and a second goal from Villa’s midfielder Rachel Hughes. The final whistle confirmed West Ham’s third consecutive loss, leaving them with a goal‑difference of ‑5. The post‑match interview was brief; Skinner reiterated that the focus would shift to learning from the setback rather than dwelling on the scoreboard.
Broader Implications for the Season
Statistically, West Ham’s first three games have produced 0 goals for and 5 against, a -5 goal difference – the worst start in the club’s WSL history. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have scored just one goal while conceding six. The parity at the bottom suggests a potential battle for survival that could tighten as the season progresses. Analysts point out that early‑season form is often deceptive; teams that finish strongly, such as Chelsea in 2022‑23, began the campaign with a loss.
From a financial standpoint, the continued slump could affect the club’s sponsorship negotiations. West Ham’s main jersey sponsor, a fintech firm, reportedly included a clause tying additional payments to league position milestones. A prolonged slump might trigger renegotiations, an angle that the club’s commercial director chose not to comment on.
What’s Next for Skinner and the Hammers?
Looking ahead, Skinner’s next test comes against Manchester City Women on 12 October at the Etihad Stadium. The visit promises a stern test of the tactics introduced against Villa. Skinner hinted that she may revert to a more defensive shape, aiming to absorb pressure and strike on the break – a strategy that served her Manchester City side well during her tenure as assistant coach. The club’s medical team also reports that midfield stalwart Jodie Martin is missing the upcoming fixture due to a hamstring strain, meaning the midfield rotation introduced on Thursday will likely become a longer‑term solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the loss affect West Ham Women’s chances of avoiding relegation?
The defeat leaves West Ham at the bottom with zero points and a –5 goal difference after three games. While it’s still early in the 22‑match season, the club will need to secure points quickly. Historically, teams that finish outside the bottom two have collected an average of 30 points, meaning West Ham must average at least 1.4 points per game moving forward.
What specific tactical changes did Skinner make for the Villa match?
Skinner started Maya O’Connor in central midfield, replacing veteran Lena Bennett, and introduced 19‑year‑old Sofia Miller up front, pushing Emma Davies to the bench. The formation shifted from a 4‑3‑3 to a more compact 4‑4‑2, aiming to strengthen the midfield and provide two strikers for quick counter‑attacks.
How did the match unfold tactically?
Villa dominated possession and pressed high, forcing West Ham into a low‑block. The early corner goal exposed a lack of aerial presence in West Ham’s defence. In the second half, a mis‑passed midfield ball gave Villa a fast‑break chance, leading to their second goal. West Ham’s attempts were largely limited to long balls that never troubled Villa’s keeper.
What does this result mean for Aston Villa’s season?
The win provides Villa with their first three points, lifting them out of the league’s bottom trio. Goal‑difference improves to –4, and confidence could rise ahead of their next fixture against Arsenal Women, where they’ll aim to build momentum.
What are the next steps for Rehanne Skinner and the squad?
Skinner plans to fine‑tune the midfield partnership and give the young striker more minutes, while also shoring up defensive organization. The upcoming clash with Manchester City Women will test whether the revised line‑up can hold off a top‑six opponent and earn a vital point.
Comments
Rehanne Skinner’s composure reminds me of the ancient stoics: the focus isn’t on the outcome but on the process. By refusing to make the Villa game a “must‑win”, she preserves the players’ mental space to experiment. A calm mindset at the bottom of the table can actually seed long‑term resilience. The tactical switch to a tighter midfield echoes a deliberate study of balance over flamboyance. In time, such philosophical steadiness may translate into points.