Chelsea hit five past Spurs to stay on City's heels

Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-2 at Stamford Bridge on 18 October to keep pressure on Manchester City at the top of the Women's Super League.

Lauren James struck twice for the hosts. Ellie Carpenter, substitute Sjoeke Nusken and Maika Hamano added the other goals in a noon kick-off in west London, as reported by The Guardian.

James opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Spurs did not fold. Matilda Vinberg levelled before half-time, turning in Julie Blakstad's ball to the far post.

The lead did not last long after the break. Carpenter restored Chelsea's advantage just before the hour mark from Alyssa Thompson's cutback. Four minutes later James struck again after taking the ball from Lucy Bronze. Two goals in four minutes. The game had shifted.

Nusken, on from the bench, made it four from Keira Walsh's flick. Hamano then added Chelsea's fifth. Tottenham kept going and pulled one back late when Signe Gaupset pounced on an error from Walsh.

For anyone new to it, the Women's Super League is England's top flight. Chelsea are its serial winners, and this was the kind of afternoon that showed why. Quick wide play, sharp finishing, and fresh legs off the bench.

Spurs arrived in a tough spot. They had gone 20 league games against big-four opposition without a win, with four draws and 16 defeats. They had also lost 6-1 to London City Lionesses before this trip. Chelsea's team, named by manager Sonia Bompastor, included Hannah Hampton in goal with Carpenter and Bronze in defence, according to Chelsea FC.

What makes this stand out is the spread of the scoring. James provided the spark. Carpenter drove forward from the back. Then Nusken and Hamano finished the job. For fans, this means the title race stays alive. City remain top, but Chelsea are not going away.