'She's free to do whatever she wants!' - Lionesses star Lauren James praised for 'unique ability' by Chelsea team-mate Erin Cuthbert after sensational display in Arsenal rout

James broke the deadlock and generally stole the show for the Blues in a huge 3-1 result on Friday night that put them six points clear of their London rivals in the Women's Super League title race. Chelsea were without three centre forwards for this game due to injuries but James filled the position well with a free-roaming role in which she wreaked havoc.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, midfielder Cuthbert said of James' role: "We let Lauren do her own thing because on the ball, she can produce something out of nothing and she has that unique ability. I think for me, it is just keeping her defensively in check and narrow, keeping the spaces close, but when she gets the ball, she’s free to do whatever she wants and she is such a talented player."

Chelsea are looking to secure a fifth successive WSL title this year and they are in pole position to do so, sitting three points clear of Manchester City ahead of their clash with Brighton on Sunday. The win over Arsenal not only boosted their hopes, it also probably killed the Gunners', with there just six league games to go.

James has been in such good form this season that she could well end it with the Golden Boot. Only Man City's Bunny Shaw has scored more than her in the WSL, with 15 goals to the England star's 13.

Chelsea's attention now turns away from the league and to Europe, with James and co. to face Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.