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Fran Kirby made one and scored another as Chelsea defeated Manchester City 3-1.
Pernille Harder twice went close for Chelsea, once blocked by Gemma Bonner, the other not far over the bar but midway through the half, Sam Mewis struck the post for City.
Maren Mjelde’s controversial first-half penalty set reigning Women’s Super League champions Chelsea on their way to victory in a lively tussle with last season’s runners-up Manchester City.
On 36 minutes, Ellen White was booked for handball in the box when Erin Cuthbert’s drive had instead seemingly struck Demi Stokes hip. Maren Mjelde stepped up to tuck the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.
The hosts matched their 2-0 Community Shield win over Gareth Taylor’s side short of the hour mark, Kirby squaring for Sam Kerr to finish from six yards or so.
The visitors were back in it on 72 minutes, Millie Bright this time penalised for handball and Chloe Kelly converting.
However, Kirby soon restored the two-goal cushion, sent clear to evade defender and keeper before slotting home, as the Blues went back up to third.
Vivianne Miedema scored early and late in the game as Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners Brighton, their fourth straight win in the league sending them back to the top.
Lia Wälti set up the Dutch striker for the opener, Caitlin Foord then cutting back for Danielle van de Donk to double the lead before the break.
Just three minutes into the second half and Jen Beattie made it 3-0 with a header, Lottie Wubben-Moy then got her first Gunners’ goal from close range.
Miedema rounded off the scoring in added time, becoming joint-highest ever scorer in the WSL on 49 goals together with Nikita Parris.
Everton are again goal-difference off the leadership following a 3-1 win over West Ham, which saw a brace by substitute Lucy Graham as they extended their 100% league form.
Nicoline Sørensen put Everton ahead on 8 minutes from Claire Emslie but Kenza Dali levelled from 20 yards midway through the half for the Hammers.
Lucy Graham restored the Toffees’ lead from distance and made sure of the points with her second in added time.
City played very well but were mostly dominated by their rival Chelsea, and created great opportunities for themselves. It is important to recoup and be up and doing to ensure we retain a back-to-back wins.