Chelsea women’s player ratings vs Tottenham: No Lauren James, no problem! Blues continue perfect WSL start despite Hannah Hampton’s dismay at controversial Spurs equaliser

Chelsea continued their perfect start to the new Women’s Super League season on Sunday with an eventful 5-2 win over London rivals Tottenham. It wasn’t a game without obstacle for the Blues, who were without Lauren James due to injury and were also left dismayed by Spurs’ first half equaliser, which Hannah Hampton was convinced she had kept out. But the champions of England persevered and emerged with all three points ahead of the international break.

The incident that will be talked about most from this game came midway through the first half, after Maika Hamano had already given Chelsea the lead. Spurs full-back Amanda Nilden spotted Hampton drifting to her left for the anticipated cross and went for goal, and the assistant flagged to signal that her effort had crossed the line despite the goalkeeper’s best efforts. It was to the dismay of Hampton, who was booked for her protestations, and suddenly the visitors were back in the game.

Even when Nilden got on the scoresheet at the other end, inadvertently flicking Guro Reiten’s corner into her own net, things were tight and competitive – until a late flurry from the champions. Rytting Kaneryd’s volley in the 70th minute will be a goal of the season contender, summer signing Sandy Baltimore was there to convert when Reiten’s penalty hit the post a few minutes later and then – after Eveliina Summanen pulled another back for Spurs with a great free-kick – Rytting Kaneryd put the gloss on it all, adding a late fifth with an emphatic finish.

It’s a result that sends the Blues into the break on a high, with four wins from their first four WSL games as they pursue a sixth successive league title and a first under new head coach Sonia Bompastor.

GOAL rates Chelsea’s players from Kingsmeadow…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Hannah Hampton (6/10):

  Hard to be too harsh on her positioning for the equaliser as was totally normal for her to veer left for the cross. Made up for it with a couple of strong saves anyway.

  Lucy Bronze (6/10):

  Solid in possession and brought plenty of energy without being caught out too much in behind.

  Millie Bright (7/10):

  Strong on the ball and commanding in her duels. Delivered a perfect ball for Rytting Kaneryd’s strike.

  Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):

  Dominant in the air and near-perfect in possession, after completing all 29 of her first half passes.

  Sandy Baltimore (7/10):

  Needless booking was a reminder that she’s not a defender and yet, this was another good display. Showed great composure for her goal, too.

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    Midfield

    Sjoeke Nusken (7/10):

    Good on the ball, created a few chances and battled well in midfield.

    Erin Cuthbert (6/10):

    A solid 45-minute display on her return to the starting XI.

    Maika Hamano (8/10):

    Another really lively and exciting display from a young player who seems to get better with each game.

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    Attack

    Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (9/10):

    A dangerous display which returned an assist and two goals, one of which will be a goal of the season contender.

    Mayra Ramirez (7/10):

    Was really positive in driving at the Spurs defence whenever she got the chance, putting them on the back foot regularly.

    Guro Reiten (6/10):

    Missed a penalty but worked hard, always offered an outlet and delivered the corner that led to Chelsea’s second goal.

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    Subs & Manager

    Wieke Kaptein (6/10):

    On at the break and settled in nicely. Sprayed the ball around well and worked hard.

    Ashley Lawrence (N/A):

    Came on in the latter stages to help Chelsea see the game out.

    Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):

    Added energy late on and gave Ramirez a deserved rest.

    Maelys Mpome (N/A):

    Only on for the final few minutes.

    Oriane Jean-Francois (N/A):

    Another late substitution.

    Sonia Bompastor (7/10):

    Handed Hamano her first start of the WSL season after a lively Champions League performance in midweek and the young Japan star showed why, with another superb display. Used her bench well to see the game out, too.