Manchester United and Manchester City claimed victories in the FA Women’s Super League to keep the pressure on leaders Chelsea, who earlier on Sunday thrashed London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 to stay top on goal difference. Second-placed Manchester United faced a tough task at Everton but Ellen Toone’s early goal and a Christen Press strike just before halftime gave them a 2-0 win.
Caroline Weir put third-placed City 1-0 up against West Ham United in the ninth minute and Georgia Stanway also netted before the break, while Ellen White and Rose Lavelle added two more in the second half as the hosts cruised to an easy win.
Chelsea’s German midfielder Melanie Leupolz scored a superb first-half goal and added a second after the break with a penalty as champions Chelsea made it 33 league matches unbeaten with their hammering of mid-table Spurs.
Chelsea top the standings, level on 32 points with Manchester United, while City are third on 27 points and Arsenal, whose game at Aston Villa was called off due a waterlogged pitch, fourth on 23.
Bottom side Bristol City, who occupy the only relegation spot, got their first win of the season on Saturday by beating visitors Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 to close the gap on Aston Villa and West Ham to two points having played a game more.