Lauren James showcased her outstanding ability once again to help the Blues beat Leicester City 3-1 on Sunday, and afterwards the attacker reflected on her contribution to the win and the broader significance of it.
Sam Kerr put us ahead at the King Power Stadium with a fine header early on, becoming our record WSL goalscorer in the process. Then, in the space of five first-half minutes, James sublimely picked out each top corner from the edge of the box to ram home our advantage.
Her first came after a clever turn and the second was a deft effort from a set-piece that kissed the underside of the crossbar on its way in.
‘It was quite close and a few people probably thought I wouldn’t go over the wall, but the keeper gave me the other side and it went top corner,’ said LJ of that stunner.
‘For the first, it just opened up and I thought I should hit it. I’m very happy, and hopefully next time I can get a hat-trick, but two will do for today!
‘Going into each game I just try and have as much fun as possible, and when I’m in a good space I just try and play my game.’
The result secured Champions League football for 2026/27, while it also made it five victories on the bounce in all competitions.
That run of form gives James confidence heading into next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, whose coronation as WSL champions was confirmed today.
‘Everyone is really happy we have got the win and got Champions League, which is obviously one of our main goals. It’s something this club always wants to achieve.
‘This win is big for confidence. Hopefully we can just keep building momentum from this game and the past games and take it back to Stamford Bridge [next Sunday] and play our game there. Trophies are what Chelsea do as a club and to be up for another one is massive.’