Chelsea delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Manchester United, proving they can still end games decisively despite some doubts about their ability to do so this season. This win was particularly important for manager Sonia Bompastor’s team after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in their opening match, where they had controlled much of the play. Though some critics had been quick to point out issues with their efficiency, signs of the wastefulness that plagued them last season reappeared at Stamford Bridge. The match saw Chelsea field a different attacking setup compared to their game against Villa. Injuries had kept key forwards Melvine Malard and Mayra Ramírez out, and Aggie Beever-Jones, who had not scored in the Women’s Super League since September 2025, was moved to the bench. Instead, Lauren James and Sjoeke Nüsken shared the front-line responsibilities. The team’s fluidity was evident in their defensive structure, shifting between a back three, back four, and even a back two, depending on the situation. This unpredictability allowed James to roam freely, becoming the focal point of Chelsea’s attack. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Lucy Bronze’s looping cross caught out United defender Dominique Janssen, allowing Wieke Kaptein to intercept and play in Nüsken for the opening goal. Just over ten minutes later, Chelsea extended their lead. A cross from the left was cleared by new signing Andrea Medina, but Bronze was quick to react, setting up Keira Walsh, who scored from the edge of the box. United struggled to respond, with only a weak shot from Julia Zigiotti Olme testing goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Their lack of options was made evident by the criticism they had faced during their summer transfer window. After halftime, United had a brief moment of hope, but Chelsea quickly extinguished it. Lauren James finally found the net in the 60th minute after a precise pass from Walsh, showcasing her composure and finishing ability. The fourth goal came from a counterattack, as Kaptein outmaneuvered Janssen and played in Ellie Carpenter, who made no mistake on her follow-up shot. Bronze capped the scoring in stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive win. For Manchester United, the defeat is a worrying start to the season, especially with a tough upcoming match against Arsenal at the Emirates.