28 January 2024 , 12:24
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Chelsea might have set a new British transfer record for their acquisition of Colombian forward Mayra Ramirez earlier in the week, but what is a record transfer fee when you have Lauren James?
The England starlet is in the form of her life, having already smashed her record of goals scored from last season (8) as she bagged a hat-trick against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last weekend. The hat-trick lifted James' tally to 10 goals in her last 10 games, a ridiculous record of ruthlessness that the 22-year-old swelled on Saturday to 12 in 11 as she notched a brace against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The double not only makes James the Women's Super League's joint top goal-scorer but also keeps Chelsea firmly affixed at the league table's apex as the reigning champions bid to secure an unprecedented fifth title on the bounce.
James has cut herself Chelsea's irreplaceable game-changing factor in the weeks following the team's loss of arguably the world's greatest game-changer. Striker Sam Kerr's ACL injury suffered during a warm-weather training camp at the start of the month threatened to expose a Kerr-sized hole in Hayes' serial winners.
The Australian forward is responsible for 99 goals for the Blues, many of which have arrived in clutch moments when Chelsea look to be their most vulnerable.
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After a first-half defined by Chelsea's profligacy in the final third and Brighton's obstinate discipline in defence, that vulnerability risked coming to the fore had it not been for James, who put the visitors into the lead with a thumping finish on the half-volley from Niamh Charles' cross inside a minute of the restart.
And after Fran Kirby poked home from a corner, James was once again on hand to confirm Chelsea victory as she pounded on a poor headed clearance.
James rarely seems fussed about the goals she scores, with her teammates routinely looking more enthralled and enraptured by the remarkable moments she is now producing in routine. Yet, how nonchalant the 22-year-old is after yet another inimitable display is all part of the fun, the paradox of James.
Lauren James celebrates after opening the scoring against Brighton (Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)But where James' revelry is low-key revelry, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes did not refrain from underlining the otherworldly talent James possesses.
"Certainly nobody is teaching [James] that," said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. "What she has, not one of us can teach her that gift. She's decisive in the box and proved that again today in the right moment, at the right time."
James' performance on Saturday feels like the natural extension of a player now afforded the carte blanche to execute her game, and while the responsibility of papering over the cracks left behind by Kerr's absence could risk feeling daunting or even debilitating for some, it seems James has taken the responsibility in her stride.
Chelsea once again showed the exquisite game management that has seen them crowned league winners four years running. Despite promising moments for the Seagulls, the Blues never looked troubled, rather ratcheting up the gears to overwhelm their opponents.
Lauren James bagged a brace in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Brighton (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)"We were in control [in the first half] but just lacked a bit of urgency," said Hayes. "We created a couple of good chances. We did enough to be in the lead while under control, without going up a gear. That's what I said to the players at half-time - to respect these WSL games. I didn't expect it within 53 seconds.
"I really enjoyed today. It was controlled. It looked like things we work on all the time. I thought it was a confident performance."
Chelsea return to action on Tuesday as they face Paris FC in their final Women's Champions League group stage match having already clinched a ticket to the knockout stages.
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