Chelsea replaced Manchester United at the top of the Women’s Super League table as Sam Kerr secured a 1–0 first-half victory over the Red Devils at Kingsmeadow.
The superbly made goal came in the 23rd minute when Kerr checked Lauren James’ long pass to her chest and sent the ball over Mary Earps and into the net.
United grew frustrated as a penalty was not given after Nikita Parris went down to the attention of Kadeisha Buchanan about 10 minutes later, and teammate Ona Batlle had also dismissed calls for a penalty.
The result of the crunch clash puts Emma Hayes’ Blues two points ahead of Marc Skinner’s United at the top, with a game in hand.
Third-placed Manchester City are level with United after winning 2-1 at Brighton thanks to a late goal from the league’s top scorer Khadija Shaw.
Shaw also opened the scoring with a 21st-minute effort which was canceled out by Elisabeth Terland just after the half hour mark.
The Jamaica forward went on to take all three points for Gareth Taylor’s side with a goal with one minute of normal time remaining, her 15th league goal of the season. City, like Chelsea, are unbeaten in 13 games in the league.
Arsenal fell three points behind City in fourth place, with a game in hand, after beating Reading 4–0 at Meadow Park.
Kim Little put Jonas Eidevall’s side ahead with an early penalty, Frida Maanum doubled the lead just before half-time, and an Emma Mukandi own goal and Leah Williamson’s effort followed in the second half.
Bottom Leicester are one point behind No. 11 Brighton, having played a game more after they drew 0-0 at home with Everton.
One point and one place ahead of Brighton are Tottenham, who suffered their ninth successive WSL defeat as they went down 2-1 at Liverpool.
Spurs led early through Rosella Ayane, but Emma Koivisto equalized soon after and then set up Missy Bo Kearns for what proved to be the winner in the 35th minute.
Liverpool are now seven points clear of relegation.
England internationals Rachel Daly and Jordan Nobbs were on the scoresheet for fifth-placed Aston Villa as they won 2-1 at West Ham.
Daly scored her 11th league goal of the campaign in the first half and Nobbs extended the lead just past the hour mark before the home side answered through Viviane Asseyi.
