Chelsea Women delivered a five-star performance to thrash Manchester United 5-0 in the Women's Super League. Five different players found the net in a dominant away victory that underlines their title credentials.
The result from last weekend lifts Chelsea to second in the WSL standings with four points from their opening two matches. They now sit just two points behind leaders Manchester City. The comprehensive win also improved their goal difference to plus five, with six goals scored and only one conceded so far this season.
Sjoeke Nusken opened the scoring in the 21st minute, assisted by Wieke Kaptein. Katie Walsh doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark before Lauren James added a third just past the hour. Ellie Carpenter and Lucy Bronze completed the rout, with Bronze's goal coming deep into stoppage time. The team's recent form shows three wins and a draw from their last four outings across all competitions.
Faye Carruthers and Suzanne Wrack discussed the result on their weekly podcast. "On the podcast today: Faye Carruthers and Suzanne Wrack are joined by Marva Kreel and Chris Paouros," Carruthers said.
The win provides perfect momentum ahead of Chelsea's next league fixture, a home match against Birmingham City on Saturday. Birmingham currently occupy 11th place in the table.
More detail at The Guardian Football
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said the 5-0 win at Manchester United proved her squad is now built in her image after a transitional second season. "The excuses are done now," Bompastor said. The victory, which leaves Chelsea second with four points, came despite the absence of captain Erin Cuthbert and several other key players.
