Chelsea Women Player Ratings: Hampton Shines in WSL Win

Chelsea women player ratings once again capture the spotlight as Hannah Hampton’s standout performance secured a vital 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, maintaining the Blues’ perfect start in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The England goalkeeper’s heroics were fundamental, with Sam Kerr marking her long-awaited return with a crucial goal and new signing Alyssa Thompson impressing on debut.

Chelsea Women Player Ratings: Hampton Leads the Way

Chelsea women player ratings underline Hannah Hampton’s immense impact at Villa Park. Facing her former club, Hampton repeatedly thwarted Aston Villa’s advances in a first half where Chelsea looked second best. Her agility and decision-making kept the score level during Villa’s dominant spells, allowing the Blues to regroup.

First Half: Hampton’s Heroics Keep Chelsea in the Game

From the opening whistle, Chelsea appeared off the pace, struggling to contain Villa’s swift counterattacks. Hampton, who joined Chelsea from Villa two years ago, delivered critical saves—most notably from Ebony Salmon and Kirsty Hanson—to keep the scoreline intact. Despite early pressure, Chelsea struck first: Catarina Macario surged forward and, after a slick combination, Aggie Beever-Jones headed in Ellie Carpenter’s precise cross for the opener.

Villa’s resilience saw Salmon equalize with a stunning finish just past the half-hour mark. The home side continued to test Chelsea, but Hampton’s command of her area and shot-stopping ability kept the score tied at halftime.

Second Half: Tactical Switches and Rising Stars

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor wasted no time, introducing a triple substitution at the break. Erin Cuthbert added steel to midfield, while Alyssa Thompson—Chelsea’s high-profile USWNT signing—made a lively debut. Thompson’s pace and creativity stretched Villa’s defense, helping Chelsea wrest control of the match.

The Blues’ pressure paid off when Keira Walsh’s speculative effort deflected off Missy Bo Kearns and into Villa’s net, restoring Chelsea’s lead. The goal was fortuitous, but reflected Chelsea’s growing dominance after halftime adjustments.

Sam Kerr’s Dream Return Caps Chelsea Women’s Perfect Start

The most emotional moment came late on, as Sam Kerr—back after 634 days sidelined with a knee injury—sealed the win. Initially hesitant with a clear chance, Kerr made no mistake in stoppage time, pouncing on a loose ball from a corner to score Chelsea’s third. Her return was met with jubilation from teammates and fans alike, signaling her readiness to reclaim a starring role.

Alyssa Thompson Impresses on Debut

Alyssa Thompson’s debut showcased why Chelsea were eager to bring her in. The USWNT forward made surging runs, showed sharp awareness, and regularly threatened Villa’s backline. Though she didn’t score, her all-round display bodes well for the campaign ahead.

Defensive Resilience and Midfield Control

While Hampton was Chelsea’s clear standout, credit must also go to the backline for weathering Villa’s attacks, and to midfielders like Cuthbert and Macario for swinging momentum back in the second half. These contributions highlight Chelsea’s squad depth and resilience—a hallmark of champions.

WSL Ambitions: Chelsea Women’s Early Statement

With consecutive wins to open the WSL season, Chelsea women’s player ratings reflect a team capable of defending their crown. Hampton’s performance, Kerr’s comeback, and the impact of new signings underline the squad’s blend of experience, quality, and ambition. For more news on Chelsea’s season and WSL developments, visit for more news.

Opinion: Hampton’s Brilliance Sets the Tone

Chelsea’s victory was far from routine, but the team’s ability to ride out difficult spells thanks to Hannah Hampton’s brilliance sends a message to their rivals. Kerr’s successful return and Thompson’s promising debut only add to Chelsea’s attacking arsenal. If Hampton continues at this level, the Blues look primed for another title run.