Takeaways from Chelsea Women’s walloping of West Ham United

Seven goals. Just reading that number makes anyone’s jaw drop. Against a competent Women’s Super League side that snatched away a point from Arsenal, Emma Hayes and the Blues made it clear who was going to the Conti Cup final at Selhurst Park on March 5. Heading into the international break, it is yet another reality check for the Irons while CFC has moved to its second cup final of the campaign.

The game was already decided when Lauren James played an exquisite pass-through to Fran Kirby, leaving her one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the 10’. West Ham managed just one tame shot in total through 90 minutes in its weak attempt to test Ann-Katrin Berger in her return to the starting lineup. The Irons’ goal drought continues as Paul Konchesky’s side has been shut out in five out of the last seven matches in all competitions. It was not just the seven goals that Chelsea’s offense were able to put up, the Blues’ backline found a way to earn a much-needed clean sheet after letting in at least one goal in four straight contests.

Despite four changes at the break, West Ham looked like the same side that came out flat to begin the game. It was the perfect way to conclude a tough stretch of games for CFC. Getting their hands on every piece of silverware as possible has been the goal since the beginning, and this display just emphasizes that a little more. The last time West Ham United allowed six or more goals was in fact the Conti Cup in 2021 at Kingsmeadow when Pernille Harder netted a hat trick.

It was the fourth time this season that the Blues finished a contest with double-digit shots on net. CFC was relentless, starting the match from the get-go with an energy the opposition simply could not match. Unlike, the past Tottenham game, the Blues kept their foot on the gas, continuing to push for the next goal while the Irons struggled to contain a versatile Blues attack that has the ability to come at the back line from anywhere. The result may feel a little bit different given the injury to Fran Kirby ahead of the half, but the hope is it is not too serious given she was able to limp off the pitch under her own power.

The convincing triumph sets up a date with Jonas Eidevall and the Gunners following their scrappy 1-0 win over Manchester City in the other semifinal. CFC will now take on Arsenal three more times this season including back to back games in both the FA Cup and now the Conti Cup final. It is time to finish the job this time.

Winning is not easy, but the consistency this group is able to produce each season when it matters the most is something everyone should take a chance to appreciate. From Guro Reiten’s magical left boot to Kirby’s spectacular finish, this game had everything. Here are the takeaways from one of the Blues most impressive wins of the season to date: