Chelsea ushered in the new year with a commanding win over West Ham in visiting manager Rita Guarino’s first Women’s Super League match in charge.
With ground to recover in the title race, the defending champions laid down an early marker at Kingsmeadow, racing into a 4–0 half-time lead with a ruthless display.
Chelsea, who started the day six points behind leaders Manchester City, struck after just 49 seconds when Yu Endo turned Ellie Carpenter’s cross into her own net.
It was a nightmare beginning for Guarino, appointed in December after spells in her native Italy, and matters quickly worsened for West Ham.
Goalkeeper Kinga Szemik’s mistake was punished by Lauren James, before Alyssa Thompson and Sandy Baltimore further extended Chelsea’s advantage.
Baltimore added her second goal from the penalty spot after the interval, following a handball by West Ham forward Viviane Asseyi in the area.
The result was a sobering afternoon for second-bottom West Ham, who are battling to climb the table but faced an imposing challenge against the champions.
For Chelsea, however, it was an ideal start to 2026 — and a timely reminder to their rivals that they remain firmly in the hunt for the WSL title.