Lauren James ‘goes full Adebayor’ as Chelsea ace grabs hat-trick and celebrates in front of Man Utd fans who booed her

CHELSEA forward Lauren James celebrated in front of the Manchester United fans as she bagged a hat-trick in a 3-1 win against her former club.

The England international, 22, was booed from the start of the game by the away fans at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Lauren James scored a hat-trick for Chelsea against her former club Manchester UnitedGetty

BBC Sport

James ran to celebrate in front of the Manchester United fans after he first goal[/caption]

The Man Utd fans had booed James from the start of the matchAlamy

But it took her just four minutes to silence them as she tucked home from close range to give the Women’s Super League champions the lead.

And after putting Chelsea ahead, James pointedly ran around the goal to where the travelling Man Utd supporters were as she celebrated in front of them.

It appeared to be a direct response to the jeering she had received from the Red Devils faithful in the early stages.

And those on social media were loving the behaviour from James – who left Man Utd for Chelsea in 2021.

One even likened it to when Emmanuel Adebayor scored for Manchester City against former side Arsenal, before he ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Gunners supporters.

They said: “ Lauren James getting boos from the United fans so did an Adebayor in front of them within 5 minutes. Top stuff.”

Another added: “Man United fans heavily booed Lauren James right from the start. Lauren’s response was to dunk a hat-trick on their heads. Special player. ”

A third replied: “So cold .”

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While a fourth responded: “Lauren James, what a baller.”

James’ hat-trick means she has now scored more goals at Stamford Bridge than any Chelsea men’s or women’s player this season.

Chelsea Women have only played three league games at Stamford Bridge, with James bagging seven goals – including two hat-tricks.

The attacker, who scored 28 goals in 56 matches for Man Utd, now has 16 in 57 for Chelsea.

She is also the top scorer in the WSL this season with 10 goals in as many games.

Emma Hayes’ side sit three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, while Man Utd are 10 points adrift in fourth place.