England forward Lauren James netted three goals and provided an assist as Chelsea secured a victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, extending their lead to six points at the top of the Women’s Super League.
In their first home match since manager Emma Hayes revealed her departure at the end of the season to take on the role of the United States women’s team coach, Chelsea took the lead after just 11 minutes.
James, positioned 30 yards from goal, advanced towards Liverpool defender Gemma Bonner, entered the penalty area, shifted the ball onto her left foot, and slotted a low finish past Rachael Laws.
Wales captain Sophie Ingle provided the assist for Lauren James’ goal, marking the day she set a new Women’s Super League (WSL) record with her 184th appearance in the competition—moving one ahead of former Birmingham City and Tottenham defender Kerys Harrop.
Despite Liverpool having the opportunity to move into second place with a win, they managed to equalize against the flow of play less than two minutes later. Shanice van de Sanden eluded England defender Jess Carter, advancing towards the home defense, and Carter unintentionally redirected the ball into her own goal from Van de Sanden’s low cross.
After being excluded from the starting lineup in Chelsea’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Real Madrid on Wednesday, Lauren James made a remarkable comeback. Her excellent cross from the left was headed in by Aggie Beever-Jones, restoring Chelsea’s lead.
Chelsea secured their third goal early in the second half, as Lauren James received Sam Kerr’s pass and executed an impressive low strike into the corner from a challenging angle. James then achieved her first Women’s Super League (WSL) hat-trick for Chelsea, reaching a pull-back from substitute Johanna Rytting Kaneryd before her teammate Sjoeke Nusken.
Lauren James also initiated the move for Chelsea’s fifth goal, playing in Rytting Kaneryd, whose cross was neatly finished at close range by Nusken.
As Emma Hayes’ team pursues their fifth consecutive WSL title, they have won six and drawn one of their first seven league matches in the 2023-24 season. Although they have played one more game than second-placed Arsenal, the Gunners could reduce the lead to three points if they secure a victory against Brighton on Sunday.
‘I felt like I was abandoning my family’
The victory further extends Chelsea’s remarkable home record, now totaling 19 consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) home wins (at either Kingsmeadow or Stamford Bridge) since a 0-0 draw with Arsenal in February 2022.
Emma Hayes has been associated with Chelsea since 2012 and has led the club to six WSL titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, and a Champions League final. She is poised to secure additional silverware before assuming the role of the United States women’s team coach next summer.
In a statement within the matchday program, she expressed, “It’s not a decision I took lightly, and it’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. When you spend 11 years with a club as special as this, it becomes you. Chelsea is my club, and it always will be.
“We’ve grown so much together and it really has been the experience of a lifetime to be a part of this, making memories and forming friendships that will last forever.”
“It felt like I was abandoning my family when I told the girls and I’ve felt a lot of sadness in the days since. I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. I hope you understand why I’ve taken this decision.”
Captain Millie Bright, who was absent from the matchday squad for the Liverpool game, expressed the collective disappointment of all players, stating, ‘I’ve got such a great relationship with Em; she’s been a mentor to me for so many years, almost like a life coach. We are all gutted about the situation
“We’re losing a special manager and more than that, a special person. Em has been a serial winner for a decade. Now we just have to stay focused on the season, that’s what Emma wants, that’s what she’s doing so we remain focused on the task ahead – winning trophies.”
Despite the news surrounding their manager, Chelsea remain as focused as ever and judging by this performance, and with James in such imperious form, they are going to take some stopping this season as Hayes aims to bow out with more silverware.