Chelsea Women smashed Liverpool Women by 5-1 in the first match from Round 7 of the England Women’s Super League. Lauren James scored a hat-trick and one assist, while Johanna Rytting Kaneryd recorded two assists. The reigning champions of Chelsea Women did not start the match very confidently, although dictated the game, but with strong pressure in the second half won the 3 points and secured their leading position in the standings.
Lauren James gave a lead for Chelsea Women in the 11th minute after a strong diagonal shot from the left, which did not give a chance for Liverpool’s goalkeeper Rachael Laws. Just two minutes later Shanice van de Sanden made a great dibble in the right and passed parallel to the goal line, but Jessica Carter kicked the ball into the net of her team and Liverpool Women equalized the score to 1-1. The equalizer gave an impetus to Liverpool players, who made some more attacks, but without a successful shot at the target. In the 24th minute, Lauren James dribbled from the left, making a long pass in the penalty and Agnes Beever-Jones overjumped Taylor Hinds to score by the head and gave the advance to Chelsea Women. Just two minutes later, Lauren James made another shot in the target, but Liverpool’s goalkeeper Rachael Laws saved. Chelsea Women’s team continued with their pressure by the end of the first half but failed to score, and on the break, the result remained 2-1.
The second half started with a dangerous shot by Shanice van de Sanden, but Chelsea’s goalkeeper Zecira Musovic saved. Chelsea women replied with two dangerous attacks, but Liverpool did not stop in their attempts to equalize again. In the 56th minute, Lauren James dribbled from the left in the penalty and with an accurate diagonal shot made the score 3-1, making a sister goal of her first half one. Liverpool continued attacking and trying to oppose their opponent, but in the 64th minute, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd made a great cross in the right and passed in the small penalty, which Lauren James hit and scored for 4-1, forming her hat-trick. Sjoeke Nusken formed the final score of 5-1 after another assistance by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
Lauren James was awarded the player of the match with her hat-trick and one assist, while Sjoeke Nusken and Sophie Ingle also received high scores.
Chelsea Women secured their leading position in the England Women’s Super League with 19 points, while Liverpool Women is 5th with 11 points.