'Silencing anyone who's hating' - Lauren James explains celebrating Chelsea opener in front of Man Utd fans at Stamford Bridge

The Lionesses star netted a brilliant hat-trick as Chelsea outclassed Manchester United in a crucial Women's Super League clash on Sunday. James opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the matchwith a strike from the outside of her boot after receiving a pass from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

Right after breaking the deadlock, the former United player ran towards the away stand and celebrated in front of a crowd that had jeered at her at the start of the match.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, James said: "It’s always tough playing against Man Utd. But with the fans behind us at Stamford Bridge - we love playing here. Our performance from the start today, you could tell everyone was up for it."

When asked why she loves playing at Stamford Bridge, James replied: "I really don’t know! I just love scoring and I try to do that as much as possible. Celebrating in front of the fans: Yeah for sure. But for me, it’s about focussing on what I can do. Silencing anyone who’s hating as well. I’ve just got to focus on myself and helping the team."

With the hat-trick on Sunday, James climbed up to the top of the list of highest goalscorers in the WSL this season. She now has 10 goals in as many games. The Blues, on the other hand, extended their winning streak to four games across all competitions and are currently three points clear at the top of the table.

Emma Hayes' side will be next seen in action on Wednesday when they take on Real Madrid in a Women's Champions League group stage clash. James will be in line for another start after making such a decisive impact for the WSL champions against United.