Chelsea Women player ratings vs Tottenham: Lauren James is ready to take over the WSL! Lionesses star shines brightest as USWNT's Mia Fishel scores debut goal in laboured Blues victory over Spurs
After a breakout Women's World Cup, the mesmerising forward put in a statement performance as her side ended their opening-day hoodoo
This felt like a significant night for Lauren James. With Chelsea taliswoman Sam Kerr out through injury, she stepped up to deliver an effortless, match-winning performance against Tottenham under the lights at Stamford Bridge.
James acted as playmaker-in-chief and her side's principal goal scoring threat on Sunday evening, but it was debutant Mia Fishel who broke the deadlock in the first half, nodding home Niamh Charles' pinpoint cross.
The 'cheat code' — as she has been christened by her England team-mates — sent several warning shots to Spurs before eventually scoring from close range just after the break, with Charles against playing the role of provider.
As impressive as they were going forward at times, Chelsea left a lot to be desired out of possession. A combination of poor finishing and the heroics of Zecira Musovic were the only things that prevented Martha Thomas from netting on her Spurs debut in the first half — and she eventually got her rewards for a lively display when the ball slipped out of the Blues' goalkeeper's grasp and into her path for an easy finish.
This set up a tense finish, but in the end it was mission accomplished for the champions, who finally won a opening-day WSL game after a four-year wait.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge...
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