No Kerr, no problem? James steps up for Chelsea
Chelsea returned to WSL action with a statement 3-1 win over last season’s title rivals Manchester United. With Sam Kerr out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury some might have expected the Blues to struggle in attack. However, Lauren James stepped up in her absence, scoring a hat-trick against her former side to maintain Chelsea’s three-point lead at the top of the table. The England international was clinical whenever she found the ball in the penalty area, which proved to be the key difference between the two teams. James has 10 goals in 10 league games and if she keeps up this form, Emma Hayes has absolutely nothing to worry about. “Human beings are not simple,” Hayes said after the game. “There are a lot of complexities involved with Lauren, but she is a genius footballer. I am happy for her. She wanted to demonstrate to the home fans that she could step forward, that she can do it as a No 10 and a No 9 in the second half. Her hold up play is unbelievable.” Emillia Hawkins
