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West Ham United Women wrapped up their 2026/27 pre-season campaign with a goalless draw against fellow Barclays Women's Super League side Aston Villa at Keys Park.

While neither side could find the breakthrough, Rita Guarino's team will feel they were the better side for large periods and created the clearer opportunities in an entertaining contest. The result means the Hammers head into next weekend's WSL opener against Tottenham Hotspur with momentum and confidence after another encouraging display.

The visitors started brightly, with Viviane Asseyi causing problems from the opening whistle. The French forward almost capitalised on a clever Katie Zelem free-kick inside the first few minutes before seeing a scuffed effort drift harmlessly wide.

Asseyi and Nadine Riesen combined effectively down the left throughout the first half, and the Swiss full-back delivered an excellent cross that Asseyi met with a header, only to see it flash narrowly past the post.

Kelly Gago was next to threaten, volleying over from close range after another dangerous Riesen delivery, while Laia Codina also came close from a corner, her header drifting just wide.

West Ham continued to look dangerous from set-pieces. Yu Endo tested Aston Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma with a well-struck volley, while Asseyi forced another save shortly before half-time after driving low towards goal.

Villa's best opportunity of the opening period arrived moments before the break when Amalie Vangsgaard found space in the area, but Codina produced an outstanding block to preserve parity.

The hosts emerged stronger after the restart and almost took the lead early in the second half, only for Constance Picaud to react sharply and deny Lily Murphy with a smart save.

West Ham responded well and nearly produced the moment of the match when Riko Ueki advanced from deep before unleashing an audacious effort from distance that crashed against the crossbar. The Japanese forward later tested Okuma again with a low strike that was comfortably gathered.

The Hammers' best chance arrived midway through the second half. Zelem danced through the Villa defence before squaring perfectly for Gago inside the six-yard box. The striker looked certain to score, but Villa substitute Anna Patten produced a superb last-ditch block to keep the scores level.

As the game entered stoppage time, Picaud ensured West Ham would leave with a clean sheet, making an excellent save to tip Lucia Kendall's long-range effort away from danger.

Although the goals never came, West Ham delivered another organised and energetic performance. Guarino's side looked defensively solid, controlled large spells of possession and created enough opportunities to suggest they are well prepared for the start of the new campaign.

Team sheet

Aston Villa: Okuma, Parker © (Kendall 61), Harviken, Maritz (Deslandes 61), Wilms, Taylor (Patten 61), Kielland, Jean-François (McAuley HT), Grant (Hijikata HT), Murphy (Mullett 71), Vangsgaard (Scott 90)
Subs: Kelly

West Ham United: Picaud-Inconnu, Endo, Codina, Cascarino (Nyström 78), Riesen (Belloumou 78), Zelem ©, Siren, Ueki (Tennebø 78), Salmon (Wandeler 71), Gago (Piubel 71), Asseyi
Subs: Walsh (GK), Dowsett (GK), Wareing, Peacock

Player ratings

Constance Picaud – 8/10
Made two important saves, including a superb stop in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet. Commanded her area well.

Yu Endo – 7/10
Worked tirelessly on the right-hand side and was involved in several attacking moves. Took up intelligent positions throughout.

Laia Codina – 8/10
Outstanding defensively. Produced a crucial first-half block and looked assured in possession. Came close to scoring from a set-piece.

Estelle Cascarino – 7/10
Another composed display at the heart of defence. Read the game well and rarely looked troubled.

Nadine Riesen – 8/10
One of West Ham's brightest performers. Delivered several dangerous crosses and provided a constant attacking outlet before being replaced.

Katie Zelem (c) – 8.5/10
Pulled the strings in midfield and created the game's best chance with a brilliant run and assist for Gago. Led by example.

Oona Siren – 7/10
Disciplined and hardworking in midfield. Helped West Ham maintain control during key periods.

Riko Ueki – 7.5/10
Unlucky not to score after striking the crossbar with a superb effort. Constantly looked to drive the team forward.

Ebony Salmon – 6.5/10
Worked hard off the ball and helped stretch the Villa defence, although clear opportunities were limited.

Kelly Gago – 7/10
Could easily have been the match-winner but was denied by an exceptional block. A lively threat throughout.

Viviane Asseyi – 8/10
West Ham's most dangerous attacker in the first half. Created problems with her movement, pace and direct running.

Substitutes

Seraina Piubel (71') – 6.5/10
Added energy and helped maintain West Ham's attacking intent.

Leila Wandeler (71') – 6.5/10
Pressed well and offered fresh legs in the final stages.

Inès Belloumou (78') – 6.5/10
Settled quickly and defended confidently.

Eva Nyström (78') – 6.5/10
Solid cameo and helped see out the clean sheet.

Ylinn Tennebø (78') – 6.5/10
Looked lively after coming on and linked play effectively.

Player of the Match

Katie Zelem – 8.5/10
The captain controlled the tempo, dictated possession and created the clearest opportunity of the afternoon. A strong final pre-season outing ahead of the WSL opener against Tottenham.

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