West Ham might have met an early turning point in their season after thrashing Charlton in the League Cup this week.
Hammers boss Rehanne Skinner believes she will have some difficult squad decisions at the weekend following an impressive win.
Although it came against a much lower ranked opponent, Skinner’s West Ham looked impressive in the League Cup.
The Hammers put five past Charlton with summer signing Leila Wandeler scoring the pick of the bunch.
Nutmeg, curl, top bins 🥜🔝🗑️
Leila Wandeler with pure class ⚒️#WestHam #WomensLeagueCup pic.twitter.com/nTIGwZQNaV
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) September 24, 2025
After the game, Skinner was clearly buzzing with her team following a difficult start to the league season.
“We have these unbelievable goals today, which is fantastic, but then there’s the grit and determination that creates the ones that start off a little bit scrappy, but they took really well as well. So, yes, just really good all round from the goals.
“I think we showed a really solid, mature performance in the game today, including being down to ten at the last through an illness. I think the way that we performed, the positivity in front of goal was really, really good to see.”
Selection headache for Skinner
As a result of their resounding win on Wednesday night, Skinner may now have a selection headache for the weekend.
“This was an important win for us and I think it gives a little bit of confidence. It gives us an opportunity to think about difficult decisions for us for the weekend with the squad, which is obviously what you want as a manager. We’re really pleased with the way we’ve played.”
The Hammers face Chelsea next in the WSL on Sunday and they will be hopeful that they can put up a challenge following such a promising performance in the cup.
West Ham are still without a point in the league and they sit rock bottom of the top flight after three games.
What changes could Rehanne Skinner make against Chelsea?
There were plenty of backup players who shone for West Ham against Charlton and some may be given a chance back in the WSL.
Summer signings Leila Wandeler and Ffion Morgan both played a starring role in the win with their first goals for the club.
The Hammers have just two goals in three league games so far this year and so Skinner may take a chance on starting at least one of the scoring duo against Chelsea this weekend.
With three consecutive losses to start the league campaign, it might be time for Skinner to take a risk on some of her younger stars.
