da jogodeouro： After a breakout Women's World Cup, the mesmerising forward put in a statement performance as her side ended their opening-day hoodoo

da fazobetai： This felt like a significant night for Lauren James. With Chelsea taliswoman Sam Kerr out through injury, she stepped up to deliver an effortless, match-winning performance against Tottenham under the lights at Stamford Bridge.

James acted as playmaker-in-chief and her side's principal goal scoring threat on Sunday evening, but it was debutant Mia Fishel who broke the deadlock in the first half, nodding home Niamh Charles' pinpoint cross.

The 'cheat code' – as she has been christened by her England team-mates – sent several warning shots to Spurs before eventually scoring from close range just after the break, with Charles against playing the role of provider.

As impressive as they were going forward at times, Chelsea left a lot to be desired out of possession. A combination of poor finishing and the heroics of Zecira Musovic were the only things that prevented Martha Thomas from netting on her Spurs debut in the first half – and she eventually got her rewards for a lively display when the ball slipped out of the Blues' goalkeeper's grasp and into her path for an easy finish.

This set up a tense finish, but in the end it was mission accomplished for the champions, who finally won a opening-day WSL game after a four-year wait.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Zecira Musovic (6/10):

Made an outstanding 'starfish' save from Thomas on the stroke of half time. Looked dependable, right up until she let a shot squirm straight into the Spurs' frontwoman's path in the second half.

Maren Mjelde (4/10):

Not massively convincing. Needed to get closer to Bright at times with Thomas squeezing through more than once.

Jess Carter (6/10):

Played her way out of some difficult areas with some neat control. Generally passed it very well.

Millie Bright (6/10):

Made a couple of much-needed recovery challenges. Solid for the most part, but Thomas' runs stretched her at times.

Niamh Charles (8/10):

Gave Chelsea width and was a consistent attacking threat, as evidenced by the two assists she provided. If she keeps this up Rachel Daly might finally be freed of left-back duties for the Lionesses.

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Sophie Ingle (6/10):

Needed to assert herself more during a frantic first half when the game was calling out for her trademark composure. Improved after the break.

Sjoeke Nusken (5/10):

Clearly eager to impress following her summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt. Was perhaps overly enthusiastic at times, which result in some sloppiness. Showed promise, though.

Lauren James (8/10):

Just an absolute joy to watch when she's playing like this. Glided past her opponents with grace, poise and understated power all afternoon.

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Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (4/10):

Barely in the game in the first half, only touching the ball 11 times. Withdrawn on the hour mark.

Mia Fishel (7/10):

A dream debut, with the American scoring in front of the away end. Hold-up play was nifty too.

Guro Reiten (6/10):

Not quite her electric best, but provided some threatening moments.

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Fran Kirby (5/10):

Great to see her back on the field after injury. However, she wasn't really in this game.

Melanie Leupolz (6/10):

Helped see the game out after coming on.

Ashley Lawrence (6/10):

Looked good at right-back. Will likely soon become a starter.

Jessie Fleming (6/10):

Bustling display.

Jelena Cankovic (N/A):

Only on for the closing stages.

Emma Hayes (6/10):

She brought up Chelsea's inability to win on the opening day unprovoked in her pre-match press conference, so will clearly be delighted they got that monkey off their back. However, like Arsenal and Manchester United earlier in the day, this was far from Chelsea at their best as they look to blood their new players.