Chelsea edged to a 2-0 win over West Ham at Kingsmeadow to return to winning ways and extend their unbeaten start to the Women's Super League season. 

An unmarked Sam Kerr — who made her first start of the 2023-24 WSL campaign — opened her account for the season by powering home Niamh Charles' floated cross.

Substitute Erin Cuthbert wrapped up the three points, playing a neat one-two into the box with Jessie Fleming before calmly placing a second into the back of the net.

Boss Emma Hayes was impressed by the Hammers but believed her substitutes made all the difference. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, she said: "I thought in the first half we struggled to break them down and create enough clear-cut chances but credit to them in the way they defended. 

"Once we made changes everything went up a step and the last 25-30 minutes is something for us to build on. We deserved the second goal in the end. 

"If Lauren [James] might have scored one of her two big chances it might not have taken as long."

The win sees Chelsea move to the top of the table, although Leicester and Liverpool have chances to climb to the summit as WSL action resumes on Sunday. 

Hayes' side have now won 28 of their last 29 home league games but trusts her team to improve.

She said: "Managers are always seeking perfection. Is it progress? Yeah, it's progress, and that's all we want to see. 

"I know we will improve. They're a top level group and I'm very happy with how we reacted. 

"This league is a top league and West Ham have certainly improved from last year."