Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and forward Lauren James have won the WSL Manager and Player of the Month Awards for January.
The Blues secured two wins against Manchester United and Brighton last month, scoring 6 goals across the two fixtures.
James bagged 5 of those, getting herself a hat-trick versus United before scoring a brace against the Seagulls a week later.
Since the winter break, Hayes’ team have consolidated their position at the top of the table, with the victories in January being followed up by another three points against Everton last Sunday.
After 13 games played, Chelsea are 3 points ahead of 2nd placed Manchester City with Arsenal another 3 points behind in 3rd.
Miedema was also handed a prize
It hasn’t taken Vivianne Miedema long to get back into the headlines after returning from an ACL injury. The Netherlands international scored a curling effort to open the scoring against Liverpool, and the strike has won goal of the month.
Speaking after the match, Miedema said she was relieved to get back on the scoresheet after being sidelined for so long:
“I’m so happy this goal flew in today and I can move on. Coming back, some players don’t overthink it but I did. I was a bit scared coming back. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I wanted to be old me again – or even better than old me even.”
What’s next for Chelsea and Arsenal?
The two sides will shift their attention away from the league this weekend as they take part in the fifth round of the FA Women’s Cup.
Chelsea take on Crystal Palace at home on Sunday, while the Gunners have a much tougher encounter as they face Manchester City.
