Chelsea Women's Dominant Display: Player Ratings and Analysis vs West Ham
Chelsea women's dynamic performance against West Ham saw Sandy Baltimore shine with a brace, leading the Blues to a resounding 5-0 victory. From Baltimore's stunning goals to Lauren James and Alyssa Thompson's contributions, here's a breakdown of the player ratings and key moments from the match.

Sandy Baltimore scored the pick of the goals and grabbed a second from the penalty spot as Chelsea swept aside West Ham 5-0 on Sunday to keep up the pace on Manchester City at the top of the Women's Super League table. The Blues led after just 46 seconds at Kingsmeadow and did not look back as they launched wave after wave of attack on their visitors, with Lauren James and Alyssa Thompson also grabbing first-half goals in a rampant display.Sonia Bompastor's side needed less than a minute to open the scoring as Yu Endo put through her own net after getting her feet mixed up from an Ellie Carpenter ball across the face of goal. Chelsea's pressing was causing West Ham all kinds of problems, and their efforts paid off again just before the half-hour mark as James charged down goalkeeper Kinga Szemik and the ball bounced into the net off the England international.Szemik made up for her error as she tipped a swerving Johanna Rytting Kaneryd strike onto the crossbar, but the Blues would make it three shortly after through the dangerous Thompson, who slid home at the far post following a move involving Rytting Kaneryd and Carpenter. With just moments left until the break, it was 4-0, as Baltimore crashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.Bompastor rang the changes after the break with the game won, but the opportunities continued to arrive for the home side. Substitute Sam Kerr saw a shot smartly saved while Wieke Kaptein's follow-up was cleared off the line, before Chelsea were awarded a penalty for a handball by Viviane Asseyi. Baltimore stepped up and calmly rolled the ball home to seal a five-star victory.GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow...Hannah Hampton (7/10):Though she was not forced into action on many occasions, the England shot-stopper made a smart save from Martinez late in the first half, while she clawed back a dangerous corner off the goal line. Will be happy with the clean sheet.Naomi Girma (7/10):The Blues had little to do at the back but when called into action, the United States international carried out her defensive duties well.Millie Bright (8/10):The skipper had the most touches, completed 94.9 percent of her passes, and begun attacks while also limiting the opposition to very little.Veerle Buurman (7/10):Made an important last-ditch tackle in the second half and was otherwise solid at the back.Ellie Carpenter (8/10):The wing-back was a constant threat, in particular during the first half, using her pace to great effect to breeze past the defender in the build-up to Thompson's goal while grabbing the assist for the own-goal opener.Sjoeke Nusken (7/10):The German midfielder was a threat in attacking areas and contributed to a commanding display in the middle of the park, before she was replaced on the hour.Lauren James (8/10):Worked hard to press the goalkeeper and earn her goal, and could have had one or two more on another day. Showed her class on the ball as ever and caused several problems for a struggling West Ham defence.Erin Cuthbert (6/10):Tidy on the ball in the first half and made sure West Ham hardly got a look-in, before she was withdrawn by Bompastor at the break to be replaced by Kaptein.Sandy Baltimore (9/10):Scored the goal of the day with a bullet of a strike into the top corner of the net. Never looked in doubt from the spot, too. The versatile wing-back had 84 touches and was dominant up and down the left in a tireless display.Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (8/10):Will be disappointed not to have got herself on the scoresheet after five shots on the West Ham goal, but the Swede put in a fine display nevertheless. Grabbed an assist for the third goal and was unfortunate to see her powerful strike expertly tipped onto the crossbar.Alyssa Thompson (8/10):Deserved her goal and reacted quickly in the six-yard box to finish the opportunity. The U.S. international showed a clean pair of heels to the visiting defence, who will have been glad to see the back of her when she was withdrawn with the game already won.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWieke Kaptein (6/10):The Netherlands international slotted seamlessly into the midfield after her introduction for Cuthbert.Sam Kerr (7/10):Nearly got herself on the scoresheet off the bench as Szemik made a reaction save from close range, while a well-struck volley was straight at the goalkeeper.Lexi Potter (6/10):The 19-year-old came on for her Blues first-team debut and did some impressive work in midfield.Guro Reiten (6/10):Looked to get on the ball and cause danger following her introduction, with the result already sealed.Chloe Sarwie (7/10):The 17-year-old showed industry in attacking areas after her late introduction and was a worthy replacement for Baltimore.Sonia Bompastor (8/10):The Blues boss saw her side dominate from the first to the last whistle as her starting XI proved far too much for the visitors. Her decision to offer opportunities to young players off the bench late on was commendable, too.
Sandy Baltimore's Brilliance
Sandy Baltimore was undoubtedly the star of the show, scoring a sensational goal with a powerful strike into the top corner and calmly converting a penalty. Her versatility as a wing-back was on full display, with tireless runs up and down the left flank causing havoc for the West Ham defense.
Lauren James' Impact
Lauren James showcased her attacking prowess by pressing the West Ham goalkeeper to secure a goal and consistently troubling the opposition defense with her skill on the ball. Her work rate and creativity were key in Chelsea's dominant display.
Alyssa Thompson's Clinical Finishing
Alyssa Thompson's goal highlighted her sharpness in front of goal, reacting swiftly in the six-yard box to finish a scoring opportunity. The U.S. international's speed and ability to evade defenders added a dynamic element to Chelsea's attacking play.
Defensive Solidity and Leadership
Millie Bright led by example as the skipper with a commanding performance at the back, showcasing her defensive prowess and initiating attacks with a high passing accuracy. The defensive line, including Ellie Carpenter and Naomi Girma, limited West Ham's chances and provided a solid foundation for Chelsea's attacking prowess.
Coach Bompastor's Tactical Acumen
Sonia Bompastor's tactical decisions were instrumental in Chelsea's comprehensive victory, with her side displaying dominance from start to finish. Her substitutions, which included giving young players like Lexi Potter and Chloe Sarwie the opportunity to shine, highlighted her commitment to nurturing talent within the squad.






