Chelsea returned to winning ways in the Women's Super League as a Lauren James wonderstrike inspired a comfortable 3-0 win against Bristol City.
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- Chelsea beat Bristol City 3-0
- Lauren James wonder-strike opens scoring
- Chelsea stay top of WSL table
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Chelsea traveled to Ashton Gate off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and a goalless draw with BK Hacken, and knew that a defeat could allow Man City to leapfrog them at the top of the WSL table. Yet after City dispatched Everton 4-1 earlier in the day, Emma Hayes' side showed they are still the favourites in the title race.
It took James just 17 minutes to break the deadlock, receiving the ball with her back to goal, turning, and then riffling a strike into the top corner. Erin Cuthbert soon doubled Chelsea's lead with her own superb effort, this time a cleanly-struck volley from just inside the penalty area.
Bristol have struggled in their first season back in the WSL, but they would've pulled one back had Chelsea debutant Hannah Hampton not pulled off a fine block just before half-time. Shortly after the interval, James hit the crossbar with a long-range curling effort, but Sam Kerr soon put the result beyond doubt by heading home at the back post.
Chelsea spurned a few chances to add to their lead, and Hayes probably won't be happy with a few moments of nervy defending that allowed the hosts a few half chances. The only real low point of an otherwise positive performance was Niamh Charles' unnecessary late sending-off for a second yellow card. She'll now miss Chelsea's FA Cup tie against West Ham on January 14.
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THE MVP
James has been the subject of some shocking abuse in recent weeks, but the England star responded in the best possible way. Bristol simply couldn't handle her directness and link-up play, while on another day, she would have had two worldie strikes to add to her highlight reel.
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THE BIG LOSERS
Chelsea are in the unusual position of having three high-quality goalkeepers in their squad. Zecira Musovic and Ann-Katrin Berger have shared the starting job this season, but on Sunday new signing Hannah Hampton got the nod from Hayes. The 23-year-old staked her claim to a regular starting role by making several smart interventions. Musovic and Berger might have to get used to watching from the sidelines.
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
Chelsea will end 2023 with a trip to Sweden on Wednesday to face BK Hacken in their fourth group match of the Women's Champions League. Hayes' side were frustrated by the group leaders earlier this week, but a win in the return fixture would see the Blues leapfrog their Swedish opponents in Group D.