Chelsea kicked off the new year with a commanding win over West Ham in manager Rita Guarino's first WSL match in charge. Chasing the title, the Blues raced to a 4-0 lead by half-time at Kingsmeadow.
Yu Endo’s own goal just 49 seconds in gave Chelsea an early advantage, and West Ham struggled to recover. Lauren James, Alyssa Thompson, and Sandy Baltimore added more goals, with Baltimore scoring a second from a penalty after the break.
It was a tough start for Guarino and a humbling defeat for West Ham, who remain second-bottom, while Chelsea sent a clear message to their rivals that they are still strong contenders in the WSL title race.
