Arsenal Secure Win Against West Ham in First WSL Match After Eidevall’s Exit

Mariona Caldentey’s penalty and Rosa Kafaji’s first goal for Arsenal helped secure a 2-0 victory over West Ham in their first Women’s Super League match since Jonas Eidevall’s resignation. Despite an underwhelming performance for much of the match under interim manager Renee Slegers, Arsenal found the breakthrough when Amber Tysiak fouled Stina Blackstenius in the box, allowing Caldentey to convert from the spot.

Summer signing Kafaji then sealed the win with a first-time finish from a Blackstenius cross, giving Slegers her second victory in as many games since taking temporary charge. The result keeps Arsenal within striking distance of the league’s top three, now sitting two points behind.

The match was played under challenging weather conditions in London, and for long periods, Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm. In the first half, Alessia Russo came closest to scoring with a shot across the face of goal, while West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik made key saves to keep the game level, including a vital stop from Emily Fox.

Slegers, clearly dissatisfied with the lack of attacking urgency, made four substitutions before the hour mark, bringing on Blackstenius and Kafaji, who ultimately made the difference in the final stages of the game.

West Ham, who are now winless in their first five WSL matches this season, continue to struggle. The team has not won in the league since February, and manager Rehanne Skinner’s poor run of form — just three wins in her last 36 WSL matches — leaves the Hammers under growing pressure.