Chelsea’s 6-0 win at Charlton underlined their title-winning credentials as they returned to the top of the Women’s Super League on goal difference. The emphatic victory came after Manchester City had applied pressure with a difficult win of their own.
Nathalie Björn opened the scoring before Melvine Malard struck twice and Ellie Carpenter added another to give Chelsea a commanding advantage before half-time.
Malard was withdrawn at the interval, but Chelsea’s attacking threat did not diminish. Aggie Beever-Jones scored from the bench before Giulia Dragoni completed the rout with her first goal for the club.
The result reflected Chelsea’s control of the match. They finished with 34 shots and more than 70 per cent possession, while Charlton managed only one effort on target.
Chelsea set the standard in WSL title race
The depth available to Chelsea was among the clearest messages from the afternoon. Even after making changes, they continued to create chances and found two more goals in the second half.
The only concern was Lauren James being forced off after 32 minutes. Chelsea and Manchester City remain unbeaten on 22 points, but the scale of the victory showed the level required to stay in contention at the top.
City had earlier edged past London City Lionesses 2-1, with Bunny Shaw opening the scoring and Lauren Hemp restoring the lead just 122 seconds after the hosts had equalised.
That result briefly sent City to the top, but Chelsea’s five-goal margin moved them back into first place. The title race remains finely balanced, with both sides unbeaten and separated only by goal difference.
