It’s a playground for her – Emma Hayes hails ‘maverick’ Lauren James after win

Emma Hayes lauded “maverick” Lauren James’ efficiency in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Women’s Tremendous League title rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

James impressed as soon as once more and scored Chelsea’s opener when she latched onto a by ball, confirmed good expertise to open up a capturing alternative earlier than drilling in a shot which Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger acquired her fingers to however was unable to maintain out.

Sjoeke Nusken then struck twice extra within the first half to place the sport past Arsenal as Chelsea moved three factors away from Manchester Metropolis on the high of the desk.

That ball by from Nüsken and the shot from James was too highly effective!#BarclaysWSL @ChelseaFCW pic.twitter.com/yzywJz4vCJ

— Barclays Girls’s Tremendous League (@BarclaysWSL) March 15, 2024

It was a formidable show from the reigning WSL champions in a recreation delayed by a sock conflict, and James’ efficiency in entrance of 33,000 followers in west London drew particular reward from her coach.

“It’s a playground for her on the market,” Hayes stated.

“We coach many alternative gamers however Lauren is a maverick. It’s not at all times excellent, it’s not at all times on level, it’s not at all times constant in each factor however I perceive her as an individual and I do know that after we get to Stamford Bridge she is going to 1000 per cent carry out for the staff right here.

“She did her job out of possession with Nusken and I believed she performed with pleasure and freedom when the ball was performed to her toes.

“She will carry the load of the group and is aware of she’s necessary for the staff. I’m joyful for her.”

James had been a doubt for the sport after battling with sickness earlier within the week however Hayes admitted she wanted the 22-year-old England worldwide.

She added: “She’d been sick all week. She got here on towards Everton and wasn’t very effectively, she got here out for one coaching session and I informed her that she has to go and play up high as a result of we don’t have one other striker.”

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall, whose third-placed facet netted a late comfort by Catarina Macario’s personal objective, stated failing to take care of James contributed to their downfall.

“We allowed Chelsea to play (with) our organisation and that was their plan when taking part in James at 9,” he stated.

“She’s superb and I believed we dealt together with her very poorly and that was an enormous a part of us not performing effectively sufficient to push for the end result or the win at this time.”