The England sensation was absolutely unplayable as the Blues moved clear of Arsenal at the top of the table
It was an afternoon of contrasts for Chelsea as they hosted Manchester United in the Women's Super League on Sunday. At times, this was Emma Hayes' side at their free-flowing best as they extended their lead at the top of the table to three clear points.
Inspired by the unplayable Lauren James, who helped herself to a second Stamford Bridge hat-trick of the season, the Blues should have raced into an unassailable early lead. But oddly, there was occasions when the result felt in genuine doubt, such was their sloppiness at the back as the game wore on.
Chelsea's dominance was absolute in the first half-hour. Within five minutes, James silenced the jeers of the travelling fans by opening the scoring from a tight angle, and the former Red Devil deservedly doubled her side's advantage not long after with a fierce strike following a superb through ball from full debutant Nathalie Bjorn.
Whether due to complacency or fatigue, the Blues' grip on the game loosened just before the break, with some weak defending allowing Hayley Ladd to pull one back in the 41st minute. The goal gave the visitors hope and they made the second half extremely uncomfortable for Chelsea.
Ella Toone was only denied a clean strike at goal by a last-gasp Ashley Lawrence tackle, while Ladd somehow found an effort smothered during a goalmouth scramble as United pushed hard for a leveller. Ultimately, though, James made the blue portion of the 20,000 fans packed in at the Bridge breathe a huge, collective sigh of relief when she slid home five minutes from time to make sure of the three points.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players below…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Hannah Hampton (7/10):
Competent with the ball at her feet and made one or two good saves on what was a rare start.
Ashley Lawrence (6/10):
Several loose moments in possession. Made a vital intervention to prevent Toone scoring early in the second half.
Kadeisha Buchanan (5/10):
Never entirely convincing. Gave it away needlessly at times by being too casual on the ball.
Nathalie Bjorn (6/10):
Without the injured Millie Bright, Chelsea have missed an aerial presence. Bjorn provided that and also set up James' second with a pinpoint through ball. However, she was dispossessed cheaply on occasion.
Niamh Charles (6/10):
Afforded a ridiculous amount of space by United early on and made the most of it. Beaten too easily by Geyse for Ladd's goal.
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Melanie Leupolz (7/10):
Steady performance. Was one of her side's most potent creative forces in the middle.
Erin Cuthbert (8/10):
An unstoppable Scottish tornado in the heart of midfield. Was everywhere and did everything. Surely the best midfielder in the WSL right now?
Lauren James (9/10):
She's basically unplayable at Stamford Bridge. This hat-trick means she's now scored more than any other Chelsea player, men's or women's, at the club's spiritual home this season. Created plenty too.
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Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (7/10):
Always positive and direct when she found space. Showed great composure in the box to set up James.
Mia Fishel (6/10):
Her positional discipline helped get the very best out of James. Will be disappointed to not register a single shot, though.
Guro Reiten (6/10):
Her delivery was typically excellent. Sometimes came too narrow out of possession.
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Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):
Ended up as Chelsea's most advanced player at times after coming on. Claimed the assist for James' third.
Jess Carter (6/10):
Assured for the final 13 minutes.
Fran Kirby (N/A):
Not on for long at all.
Emma Hayes (7/10):
Selecting Fishel was a brave response to Chelsea's concerning attacking display against West Ham last week – and it helped James properly express herself. Her side's shaky build-up from the back will concern her, though.