Lauren James put in an electric display as her hat-trick helped Chelsea to record a 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
The Bridge played host to a highly-anticipated clash between the Barclays Women’s Super League leaders and a Manchester United side that were occupying fourth place. The fixture was always going to be an important one in the league’s title race and it was Chelsea who re-established their three-point lead at the summit.
The clash commenced in an exciting fashion and Chelsea immediately began to cause problems for the last line of the Manchester United defence. It wasn’t before long before the hosts made the breakthrough. A scuffle inside the area saw James left unmarked to the right side of Mary Earps. The forward left no room for mistake, sending the net rippling and giving the home side the advantage in just the fifth minute of play.
The Blues continued their threatening march, as Johanna Rytting Kaneryd stormed into the area, though her searching cross was cleared from any danger by Maya Le Tissier, allowing The Red Devils to gather their breath.
Stamford Bridge then witnessed a brilliant passage of play, as Chelsea’s winter transfer window signing Nathalie Björn expertly sent a ball forward to an advancing James. The attacker doubled her side’s advantage with a spectacular one-touch finish, securing herself a brace inside just 23 minutes.
Manchester United registered their first dangerous effort on goal as Geyse stormed into the area with conviction, though her strike was brilliantly saved by a stretching Hannah Hampton.
The visitors added a goal to their tally just moments later, as a searching cross from Geyse caused problems inside the six-yard box. It was Hayley Ladd who came off best, as the midfielder struck home Manchester United’s first goal of the afternoon.
As the second half began, the scoreline perhaps wasn’t reflective of the dominant display showcased by the hosts in the opening period.
The visitors came out flying and Geyse sent a line-breaking ball through to an advancing Ella Toone inside the area. The England international failed to make strong contact, as her strike was comfortably cleared away from danger.
Manchester United continued to mount pressure on the home side and a heated scuffle inside the area saw Toone appeal for a penalty, although nothing was given by the referee.
Marc Skinner then made his presence known, the Manchester United boss was fuelled with anger as Leah Galton went down inside the box but no penalty was given.
Despite the constant pressure mounting from the visitors, it was the hosts that answered the call. Stepping up in the absence of Sam Kerr, James found herself a hat-trick for the afternoon, leaving a defeated Manchester United defence in the dust.
The final whistle blew at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea recorded a 3-1 victory and reclaimed their three-point advantage at the top of the table. Manchester United remain in fourth for now, although their battle for European qualification is getting tougher with every game.