Chelsea's men's and women's teams delivered a weekend of high-scoring entertainment, with both sides securing victories that showcased their attacking prowess. The men's team overcame a resilient Everton side, while the women's team produced an eight-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge.
Men's Team Edges Past Everton in Heated Encounter
The men's team faced a bruising and tetchy match against previously unbeaten Everton, taking all three points in a clash that left goalkeeper Emi Martinez in hospital. The Saturday lunchtime kick-off at the Hill Dickinson stadium saw five players booked in the first 30 minutes as Everton launched a concerted first-half assault.
Pedro Neto scored twice to secure the win, and Chelsea finally achieved their first clean sheet since January. The result sets up an intriguing prospect with the visit of Spurs this weekend. Martinez was stretchered off in the second half following a crunching collision with Jarrad Branthwaite, and has since undergone surgery for a fractured jaw, which will sideline him for the next six weeks.
Women's Team Thrills in Eight-Goal Spectacle
Meanwhile, Chelsea Women weathered an impressive display by Tottenham Hotspur Women at Stamford Bridge on Sunday lunchtime before surging to a 6-2 victory. Lauren James and Ellie Carpenter each scored twice, but it was an astonishing rocket from distance by Maika Hamano in the dying minutes that left fans gasping for superlatives.
Hamano, playing her former club for the first time since last season's loan, unleashed a shot which seemed to rise and accelerate in an elegant arc before evading Spurs keeper Lize Kop and billowing the back of the net. The goal was a contender for goal of the season, and the crowd of nearly 8,000 was left in awe.
Chelsea Switch Off but Seal Victory
Distracted by sheer wonderment, Chelsea completely switched off at the restart, allowing Tottenham to claw back a goal within seconds. However, Carpenter nailed the score with a spin-and-shoot to make it 6-2 and leave the crowd strolling back to Fulham Broadway with grins as wide as the Amazon.
The women's team will visit Palace at the weekend before hosting Roma in a tough Champions League game. The men's team will look to build on their clean sheet and goalscoring form as they prepare for the visit of Spurs.
