By Taiwo Ibrahim
Lauren James scored a sublime hat-trick for Chelsea in the 5-1 win against Liverpool in a 2023-24 Women’s Super League encounter on Saturday, Sportivationng.com reports.
The Defending Champions made light work of Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, with the Queen of the James’ family running the show with three goals and one assist.
James opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a low drive after beating Liverpool defender Gemma Bonner before finishing past Rachael Laws.
The visitors restored parity when Chelsea’s Jess Carter diverted into her own net to make it 1-1.
Lauren James turned provider for Aggie Beever-Jones with a sublime cross before the academy graduate headed in Chelsea’s second goal to make it 2-1.
She added her second of the day with an excellent low drive from a tight angle to send the Stamford Bridge faithfuls into frenzy.
The 22-year-old completed her hat-trick with a thunderous finish from a cut-back by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd to make it 4-1 for Chelsea.
Sjoeke Nusken added the fifth goal for Chelsea to put the icing on the cake.
Liverpool struggled to cope with Chelsea’s quality, which explains why the Blues have won the WSL title four times in a row.
Chelsea were rocked with the news of Emma Hayes departure at the end of the season last week.
Emma Hayes is the brain behind Chelsea’s dominance in the WSL, winning 15 trophies in 11 years.
Lauren James has dedicated her first-ever Women’s Soccer League hat-trick to the departing Emma Hayes.
“Amazing, I think even better to do it at the Bridge. Obviously with the news of Emma [Hayes] leaving, everything I do I am thankful to her.”
She revealed her conversation with Hayes at the end of the game.
“Just how proud she is and let’s achieve big things this year. I think I’ve had a difficult last week with the news and everything so I am just thankful I could get some confidence back with today’s (Saturday) performance.”
Chelsea have won six out their first seven matches in the WSL this season, to move six points clear of Arsenal, who have a game against Brighton tomorrow.
The Blues will be back in action against Leicester City next Sunday.
