'Explosive' Lauren James review speaks volumes as Chelsea star humbles Manchester United
It was never going to be easy.
Even for a club with Chelsea's financial heft and roster of star-studded names, the prospect of filling the cavernous void left behind by the injured Sam Kerr was a daunting one. Earlier this month, the Australian became the latest in a long line of big names to rupture her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), thus consigning her to a lengthy spell on the sidelines and curtailing her involvement in the Blues' burgeoning title charge.
«There's been good conversation this week between the team about the things we need to do,» manager Emma Hayes said ahead of her side's Women's Super League (WSL) clash with Manchester United. «It's a collective responsibility as a team. We've all identified the right areas, but we have to put it into action. The reality is there are top players on our team who are capable of contributing to the goals… so no matter who you are, everybody has to take responsibility.»
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Fortunately for Hayes, history was on her side on Sunday afternoon. Prior to kick-off, United had never beaten Chelsea in the WSL, while the Blues had emerged victorious from each of their previous 20 home league games.
The setting for Sunday's contest did, admittedly, raise the stakes somewhat for Hayes' side. A 20,473-strong crowd made the trip to Stamford Bridge, the majority of whom were itching to see the reigning WSL champions turn on the style and put United, their would-be usurpers, to the sword.
The pre-match build-up was accompanied by the same frissons of anticipation usually incited by a Premier League fixture, with a
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