Charlton Athletic's difficult start to the Women's Super League continued with a 6-0 home defeat to Chelsea, who scored four times in the opening 19 minutes at The Valley.

The result leaves Charlton without a point after eight league matches, while Chelsea moved back to the top of the table thanks to their superior goal difference over Manchester City.

Charlton were under pressure almost immediately, with Nathalie Bjorn opening the scoring in the third minute. The Chelsea defender rose to meet Katie McCabe's cross and directed a looping header into the far corner.

The hosts struggled to contain Chelsea's forward movement, and the visitors soon doubled their advantage. Melvine Malard scored from close range after goalkeeper Anna Koivunen failed to deal with the ball.

Lauren James was involved in the build-up to the third goal, testing Koivunen with a strike from the edge of the area. The goalkeeper could only parry the attempt, allowing Ellie Carpenter to collect the rebound and finish for her second goal in consecutive matches.

Chelsea continued to press, with Koivunen making further saves against Sandy Baltimore and Carpenter. The pressure eventually told again when Malard poked home Chelsea's fourth goal, completing a devastating opening spell for Sonia Bompastor's side.

Malard briefly appeared to have added a third goalof her own, but the effort was disallowed for offside. It was one of the few moments in which Charlton escaped further punishment during the first half.

Chelsea suffered a setback when James was withdrawn in the 35th minute after picking up an issue while running towards the ball. Nevertheless, the visitors maintained control after the break.

https://x.com/ChelseaFCW/status/2116930221475586517