Chelsea returned to the top of the Women's Super League with a thumping victory over bottom side Charlton.

The Blues scored four goals in the first 19 minutes at The Valley, leaving Karen Hills' side stunned.

Katie McCabe crossed into the box and Nathalie Bjorn rose highest to send a looping header into the far corner after three minutes.

Melvine Malard scored Chelsea's second goal from close range as Anna Koivunen fumbled the ball into her own net.

Lauren James' strike from the edge of the box was parried by Koivunen, but Ellie Carpenter was first to react to slot home for her second goal in as many games.

Sonia Bompastor's side kept pushing forward and Koivunen made two saves from Sandy Baltimore and Carpenter before Malard poked home for Chelsea's fourth.

Malard thought she had completed a 12-minute hat-tick but the goal was ruled out for a tight offside in a rare reprieve for Charlton.

The only moment of disappointment for the Blues came when James had to be substituted after 35 minutes, having gone down when trying to run on to the ball.

After the break, substitute Aggie Beever-Jones latched on to a clever flick from Keira Walsh to score her first goal since September 2025, further increasing Chelsea's lead.

Giulia Dragoni scored her first Chelsea goal with a brilliant turn and finish to wrap up the victory.

Chelsea are level on points with champions Manchester City but have a superior goal difference, while Charlton remain bottom of the league with zero points from eight games.

More to follow.

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