Chelsea Women delivered a sensational performance at The Valley, defeating Charlton Athletic 6-0 to reclaim top spot in the Women's Super League.
The Blues scored four goals in the opening 19 minutes, producing a devastating attacking display that left the hosts struggling to contain Sonia Bompastor's side.
Nathalie Björn opened the scoring with a powerful header in the third minute, marking her first league start in almost a year with an important goal.
Melvine Malard doubled Chelsea's advantage in the 10th minute before Ellie Carpenter extended the lead three minutes later. Malard then struck again in the 19th minute to complete a remarkable opening spell for the visitors.
Chelsea continued to dominate after the break, with substitute Aggie Beever-Jones adding a fifth goal in the 57th minute.
Giulia Dragoni completed the scoring nine minutes later, marking her first competitive goal for Chelsea with an emotional celebration.
Chelsea's attacking qu
ality shines
Bompastor made seven changes to her starting lineup following Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League victory over Roma, giving several players an opportunity to impress.
Björn returned to captain the side, while Manaka Matsukubo made her first start for the club following her summer arrival from North Carolina Courage.
Chelsea's attacking intensity was evident from the opening whistle, with Sandy Baltimore and Lauren James creating constant problems for the Charlton defence.
However, the afternoon was not without concern for the Blues. James, who played a key role in Chelsea's early dominance, was forced off with an injury in the 35th minute and was replaced by Erin Cuthbert.
Despite the setback, Chelsea maintained control and continued to create opportunities throughout the match.
Beever-Jones and Dragoni make their mark
Chelsea's substitutes made an immediate impact after the restart.
Beever-Jones capitalised on an excellent backheel from Keira Walsh to race through on goal and calmly finish, registering her first goal of the season.
Dragoni then capped off a flowing team move in the 66th minute, finding the net to complete Chelsea's six-goal performance.
The Blues continued to threaten, with Baltimore and Maika Hamano both striking the woodwork, while Charlton goalkeeper Anna Koivunen made several important saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.
Chelsea's defence also remained solid, with Hannah Hampton helping secure a clean sheet as Charlton searched for a consolation goal.
Chelsea return to the top
The victory extends Chelsea's unbeaten start to the WSL season, with seven wins and one draw from their opening eight matches.
The Blues now have 22 points, level with Manchester City but ahead on goal difference, moving back to the top of the table after their title rivals won earlier in the day.
Chelsea will now turn their attention to their next league fixture, when they welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 7 November, with kick-off scheduled for 12:45pm.
The emphatic victory provides another statement of Chelsea's title ambitions, as Bompastor's side continue their pursuit of another WSL crown.