Chelsea thrash Spurs in WSL

Lauren James scored a brilliant double and made another in a majestic performance as Chelsea Women romped to a 6-2 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

The win put Chelsea top of the Women’s Super League, one point ahead of Manchester City before their game against Brighton.

James gave the Blues the lead in the first half when she won possession deep in Spurs territory on the left before skilfully gliding away from two defenders and scoring from an acute angle.

Chelsea’s high press and tenacity continued to trouble Tottenham but they failed to make the most of several excellent attacking situations and the visitors, who played with commendable courage and ambition, made them pay just before the break.

Former Chelsea midfielder Drew Spence was involved and, after a driving run, the ball broke to Julie Blakstad whose delightful far-post cross was headed in by Matilda Vinberg.

But a frantic nine-minute spell in the second half ensured Chelsea coasted to victory.

James played a part in the second, finding Alyssa Thompson who teed up Ellie Carpenter to fire the ball home and James then showed her class to burst forward and find the far corner to earn a 3-1 lead.

Substitute Sjoeke Nusken smashed home a stunning fourth with a first-time strike from 12 yards after a delightful flicked pass by Keira Walsh and a vicious long-range swerving strike by Maika Hamano made it 5-1.

Spurs grabbed a second when Signe Gaupset pounced on a rare piece of hesitation by Walsh to finish low past keeper Hannah Hampton.

But Carpenter rounded off a stylish attacking display on boss Sonia Bompastor’s 50th game
In charge when she turned neatly and finished coolly after great work by Walsh on the left.