Chelsea moved back to the top of the WSL after seeing off West Ham 4-0 at Dagenham, taking a major step towards retaining their title.
The three points send Emma Hayes' side two clear of Manchester United with both sides having just two games left to play. The out-of-form Hammers, who came into the game having not won in 2023, were resilient at the back for long periods.
But Niamh Charles broke the deadlock after reacting quickly when Sam Kerr's shot was blocked on the line. A fine Pernille Harder strike and a Sophie Ingle header ensured the Blues won a fifth straight league game. West Ham did go close when Jess Carter had to clear off the line to stop Izzy Atkinson before an Erin Cuthbert screamer rounded off the scoring in injury time.
Here are the talking points from Dagenham.
Changes pay dividends for Hayes as goal difference gets a boost
Emma Hayes made seven changes from the XI that started the FA Cup final against Man Utd at the weekend. Pernille Harder was back in from the off, while Sophie Ingle, who ran midfield from the bench at Wembley was also given a start.
Hayes has spoken all season of how Chelsea's "starters and finishers" policy keeps the squad fresh and players working hard for the team. And her selection this evening was justified within the opening minutes.
Harder produced a wonderful bit of play to create the chance that led to Charles' opener. And when the Danish star was picked out by Ingle just three minutes after the break, her wonderful finish into the side netting gave Chelsea a cushion and ensured their goal difference was two better than title rivals Man Utd. By the end of the night the Blues total was four better, which will be vital if the two clubs do finish on the same number of points come the final day.
Blues now just two wins from another league and cup double
"We're top of the league" sang Chelsea supporters in the closing minutes. Considering how closely run this WSL season has been, they will be mightily relieved to get into pole position before the final day. After the high of Sunday's cup final win, tonight had the potential to be a banana skin for Chelsea. Huge celebrations can sometimes be just as emotionally draining as late defeats.
But once Charles found the back of the West Ham net, the Blues had the control they needed to keep this one relatively straightforward. Despite Harder's early goal, the second 45 was more of a battle, with the hosts' direct approach causing more problems, although Ingle's header ensured the result was never in doubt.
In the end, the job was done. It didn't matter how pretty the performance was, Hayes now knows her team are just two wins away from the 'triple double'.
Ingle again shows worth
Ingle's goal wasn't the most pleasing on the eye. The Welsh midfielder headed home after Magda Eriksson's initial effort was saved by Mackenzie Arnold. Although the West Ham stopper did well to react, she could only knock the ball onto the top of the bar.
It bounced back down and Ingle was on hand to head the rebound home to secure the points. But it was a deserved goal for a player who changed the momentum of the game when coming on at Wembley in the win against Man Utd.
Tonight she was quick to sustain attacks, tidy in possession and even got herself a goal. Ingle has managed to save her best form of the season for when it matters most.
Arsenal will provide Blues' toughest remaining test
Earlier in the night, Arsenal maintained their chase of a top-three place with another big WSL victory. Fresh from putting four past Brighton in their last outing, the Conti Cup winners thrashed Everton 4-1 with Caitlin Foord (twice), Katie McCabe and Lotte Wubben-Moy getting the goals.
The Gunners are in flying form and although they still have several key players out missing, will arrive at Kingsmeadow on Sunday full of confidence. Chelsea were outplayed at the Emirates in the reverse league fixture but grabbed a draw and loss to Arsenal in the Conti Cup final.
Hayes' side will need a repeat of how they played when the pair met in the FA Cup back in February. Failure to be at their best could prove fatal as they chase down Man Utd.
West Ham can't repeat defensive heroics
When Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal travelled to Dagenham earlier in the season, they were left frustrated by the well-drilled Hammers. Paul Konchesky had his side organised and difficult to beat back then, on a night that proved a big factor in Arsenal's failed title challenge.
But West Ham have suffered a horrendous run of form since, picking up just one point and going out of both domestic cup competitions. Although Konchesky once again had them set up as a back five with a low block, this time the Londoners couldn't perform heroics against one of the top sides.
Viviane Asseyi did look lively up front but failed to get consistent service. The hosts will now have to look towards their final two games of the season against Leicester and Spurs, to end their season on a high.
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