Their emphatic 6-0 win at Charlton restored them to the top of the WSL on goal difference and showed just how many ways this team can hurt opponents. Nathalie Bjorn opened the scoring, Melvine Malard struck twice and Ellie Carpenter also found the net before the break. Then the substitutes took over, with Aggie Beever-Jones scoring and Giulia Dragoni adding her first Chelsea goal.
That depth matters in a title race. Chelsea could withdraw Malard at half-time and still carry a threat, finishing with 34 shots and more than 70 per cent possession. Charlton struggled to offer anything like the same danger, managing only one effort on target.
Lauren James being forced off after 32 minutes was the concern on an otherwise commanding afternoon. Chelsea and City are both unbeaten on 22 points, but this was a reminder of the standard required to keep pace at the top. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player There was a Ballon d'Or trophy at Hayes Lane, but Manchester City left with the prize they came for.
Alexia Putellas' third award provided the backdrop to a demanding afternoon against London City Lionesses. City's 2-1 victory owed plenty to their ability to take chances and respond when the game threatened to turn. Bunny Shaw supplied the composure for the opener, rounding Mary Earps to score her ninth league goal of the season.
When Fernandes eventually headed the hosts level, Lauren Hemp restored City's lead just 122 seconds later. That response was crucial. London City had already shown they could create openings, registering 18 shots and 2.95 expected goals by the 67th minute.
City were far from comfortable, but Mary Fowler's excellent delivery and Hemp's anticipation gave them the decisive moment. Chelsea's subsequent win means City finish the day second on goal difference. Yet taking three points from a game this difficult could prove every bit as valuable as a more convincing performance.
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