Chelsea began the new year with an impressive victory over West Ham in visiting manager Rita Guarino’s first match in the Women’s Super League.
With ground to make up in the WSL title race, Chelsea put down a marker with a ruthless display at Kingsmeadow, going 4-0 up by half-time.
The defending champions, who trail league leaders Manchester City by six points, needed just 49 seconds to take the lead when Yu Endo diverted Ellie Carpenter’s cross into her own net.
It was the worst possible start to life at West Ham under Guarino, who joined the club in December having previously managed in her native Italy.
Things did not improve for the Hammers who continued to give away cheap opportunities as goalkeeper Kinga Szemik’s error was capitalised on by Lauren James, before Alyssa Thompson and Sandy Baltimore added to the tally.
France international Baltimore scored her second from the penalty spot after the break when West Ham striker Viviane Asseyi was deemed to have blocked a shot with her arm in the box.
West Ham sacked former boss Rehanne Skinner after eight defeats from their opening 11 matches but hopes of a dream start under Guarino were quickly dashed.
It was a humbling for second-bottom West Ham, who are desperate to move up the table, but it was always going to be a giant task to compete with Chelsea.
For the Blues, it was the perfect way to kickstart 2026 – a reminder to their rivals that they remain hot on the heels in the WSL title race.
