Malard was on target as Chelsea continued their perfect run with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United, securing a fourth successive win in the WSL and moving to the top of the table.
The Blues controlled proceedings for long periods at Victoria Road Stadium but had to wait until the 38th minute to break the deadlock. Melvine Malard reacted quickest after Sjoeke Nüsken was tackled inside the penalty area, calmly placing the loose ball into the bottom corner.
Chelsea created several opportunities to extend their advantage but were unable to add a second until the final 10 minutes. Keira Walsh eventually doubled the lead with a powerful strike before Maika Hamano headed home late on to complete a convincing victory.
The result moved Chelsea one point clear of London City Lionesses and Manchester City, although Manchester City still had a fixture against Arsenal to play on Sunday.
Malard Gives Chelsea the Breakthrough
Chelsea dominated possession and territory from the opening stages, but West Ham’s defence managed to keep the score level for much of the first half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute when Nüsken was challenged inside the penalty area. The ball fell kindly to Malard, who made no mistake from close range and guided her finish into the bottom corner.
It was the French forward’s second WSL goal since completing her summer move from Manchester United, giving her another important moment in her early Chelsea career.
Chelsea continued to threaten after taking the lead. Nüsken went close when Walsh delivered a dangerous ball across the box, but she could only shoot over from close range.
Kadeisha Buchanan also had an opportunity with a header, although her effort failed to trouble the West Ham goalkeeper.
Despite Chelsea’s dominance, the hosts remained within touching distance because the visitors could not find the second goal they needed to turn their control into a comfortable advantage.
Walsh Finally Doubles Chelsea’s Lead
Keira Walsh had already been one of Chelsea’s most influential players before eventually getting her name on the scoresheet.
The England midfielder went close earlier in the match when she struck the post and later sent another effort wide. Her persistence finally paid off with 10 minutes remaining.
Walsh collected the ball from Wieke Kaptein on the edge of the penalty area before producing a powerful finish into the bottom corner.
The goal gave Chelsea the breathing room their performance deserved and effectively ended West Ham’s hopes of producing a late comeback.
Walsh finished the match with five shots, more than any other Chelsea player, while her only effort on target resulted in a goal. She also created three chances and won six of her nine duels.
Her performance was particularly encouraging with England preparing for their Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off matches against Greece later this month.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor praised Walsh’s attacking influence, noting that the midfielder is playing in a more advanced position than last season and has the quality to take advantage of those opportunities.
Hamano Seals Chelsea’s Fourth Straight Victory
Chelsea were not finished after Walsh’s goal, with Maika Hamano adding a third in the 87th minute.
Making her first start of the season, Hamano nodded home from close range to put the finishing touch on a result that had become increasingly comfortable for the visitors.
The Japanese forward’s goal ensured that Chelsea’s dominance was reflected more accurately on the scoreboard, although West Ham had offered limited attacking threat throughout the contest.
Indeed, Rita Guarino’s side failed to register a single shot during the match as Chelsea’s defence maintained control.
The defeat was West Ham’s fourth of the campaign and highlighted the gap between the two teams on the day. Guarino acknowledged that her side must improve their ability to retain possession and make better use of the spaces available after winning the ball.
For Chelsea, however, the result represented another important step in what has been an excellent start to the season.
The Blues have now won four consecutive WSL matches and sit at the summit of the table, with their attacking depth and midfield quality once again proving decisive.
Chelsea Take Control of the WSL Race
The victory carries significance beyond the three points because it puts Chelsea at the top of the WSL table at this stage of the campaign.
The Blues moved one point ahead of both London City Lionesses and Manchester City, although the latter still had an opportunity to respond when they faced Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea’s position reflects the consistency they have shown during their four-match winning run. While they were not at their most clinical against West Ham, they continued to create chances and eventually found the goals required to turn a narrow advantage into a convincing victory.
The ability to win even when the goals do not arrive early could prove important over the course of a long campaign. Chelsea’s squad contains enough attacking and midfield quality to find solutions in different situations, and this match provided another example.
For Malard, the opening goal was another positive moment following her summer arrival, while Walsh’s performance demonstrated why she remains such an important figure for both Chelsea and England.
