The rain of the first half has been replaced by sunshine in the second. Lucy Hope strikes at goal for the hosts but Jacqueline Burns does well to get her body behind it to keep it out.

Liverpool finally stem the tide of attacks and set off on one of their own.

Mel Lawley shows skill and determination to win a corner on the left, although Liverpool cannot seize on the cross to the near post.

Emma Koivisto then sends a slack pass behind for a goal kick, ending her side's momentum for now.

United will feel they should have made it two. Shanice van de Sanden doesn't track Hannah Blundell's run, but she can only drill a diagonal shot wide from the edge of the penalty area on the left.

Rachel Brown-Finnis
Ex-England goalkeeper on BBC One

Man Utd have been excellent in possession. That's what we expect from Marc Skinner's team, teasing and fizzing the ball out wide. Katie Zelem played it out and the ball from Batlle picked out Garcia.

It hits Hannah Blundell to fall into the net for the opener.

Nicoline Sorensen, who created the second goal, nearly sets up a third. She does well on the right flank to create some space for a cross and it's a brilliant delivery, but team-mate Aurora Galli just can't get a touch on it.

Leicester City make four changes from their 8-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in the final game before the WSL winter break on 3 December.

Janina Leitzig, who joined on loan from Bayern Munich this week, is straight into the side, replacing Demi Lambourne in goal.

New Zealand defender CJ Bott, Nigeria's Ashleigh Plumptre and Wales' Hannah Cain come into the side for Erin Simon, Georgia Brougham and Ava Baker.

Leicester XI: Leitzig, Bott, Howard, Plumptre, Purfield, Tierney, Pike, Whelan, Jones, Cain, Goodwin.

Subs: Lambourne, Levell, Simon, Smith, Robinson, Reavill, Baker.

New Brighton boss Jens Scheuer also makes three changes for his first game in charge of the Seagulls.

The former Bayern Munich coach brings in USA's Zoe Morse, Norway's Guro Bergsvand and Serbia's Dejana Stefanovic. All three have signed for Brighton in the January transfer window.

Jorja Fox, Victoria Williams and Danielle Carter drop out.

Brighton XI: Walsh, Pattinson, Morse, Bergsvand, Green, Connolly, Olme, Stefanovic, Robinson, Sarri, Lee.

Subs: Startup, Fox, Williams, Park, Visalli, Carter, Stott, Symonds, Bance.

Nikita Parris cuts inside on the left inside Liverpool territory, shifting past Emma Koivisto.

Ella Toone is arriving as Parris is blocked, sending a shot onto the roof of the net - watched all the way by Rachael Laws.

Hannah Blundell fails to deal with a ball on the left, allowing Shanice van de Sanden to canter towards the edge of United's penalty area unchecked.

The cross doesn't match the Netherlands legends usual standards, allowing Mary Earps to easily gather inside her six-yard box.

We're back under way for the second half and the rain, which was very heavy in the first half, has eased off.

United, attacking from right to left in the first half, launch the action!

Ella Toone makes an early run, attempting to put Rachael Laws under pressure inside the Liverpool penalty area. No change out of the visiting goalkeeper this time.

The players and officials are out and exchanging fist bumps at Leigh Sports Village.

Liverpool form a circle and exchange a few final words of encouragement while the crowd cheers as the teamsheets are read out.

Jenna Schillaci
Former Spurs captain on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Hurtig did really well today. She was included because of her presence in the game. She held the ball up really well, made some good runs and connections in the final third and put in a really good shift for the team.

Who else?

Jenna Schillaci
Former Spurs captain on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

The delivery into the box for Chelea's goal was a pin-point delivery and if you put the ball into the area, you know Sam Kerr is going to punish you. It's a perfect header: the correct amount of power and the keeper didn't stand a chance.

This is a title race to behold. Arsenal will be gutted not to have held on after dominating almost the entirety of this clash between the top two, deservedly taking the lead through Kim Little's second-half penalty.

It's Chelsea who finish the day three points clear, though, thanks to Sam Kerr's clinical 89th-minute header. Jonas Eidevall gathers his players and has a few stern words, doubtless telling them not to be discouraged but reiterating the remarks he is always keen to make about the dangers of losing concentration for a split second.

That's Chelsea's sixth goal in the final 15 minutes of a game this season - more than any other WSL team. They never give up, and they're heading over to those adoring away fans with a potentially crucial point gained.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool

Liverpool manager Matt Beard on Gilly Flaherty's retirement, speaking to BBC One: "It was a tough decision for her but we understand and fully respect her decision. Her dad's passing was unexpected and the bond that they had, I've seen it since she started playing.

"We're devastated for Gilly that her dad passed and she felt that she couldn't go on without him by her side. I'm glad she broke the [WSL appearance] record and she'll leave a legacy in the WSL for sure. She's paved the way for the young girls now."

On what Gemma Bonner's return brings: "Leadership, experience, we had a great working relationship before. She's developed as a player since I worked with her. Just back in the dressing room and on the standards she's set, the leadership she's shown is second to none. As much as it's a big blow to lose Gilly, it's a real positive that we've managed to bring Gemma in."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner on Leah Galton's absence, speaking to BBC One: "Leah, over Christmas, had a niggle in her back. She's been training this week but it's just a little too soon for her.

"She should be fine the next couple of weeks. Of course she's a huge player for us so we'll miss her today but the players we have will fill her place and show their qualities too."

On potential signings: "I'm hopeful that [the fans] will see at least one or two - who knows, maybe even more. The reality is that it's about getting the right people. We believe we're close to finding a few of those so hopefully our fans can get behind the players, should they get over the line, that we bring in.

"Really it's just about tweaking and manoeuvring towards success. I've told them [the fans] that I'm not going to stand still in pursuit of success for us."

On if United can afford to drop points if they want the title: "Ideally not. The reality is that there's potential for every team to drop points but our aim is to try and perform as best as we can in every game.

"Ideally no. I want us to perform today, I want to see a true Manchester United performance today and I'm sure the girls have that in their ability."

Everton in complete control in the heavy rain with goals from Katja Snoeijs and Jess Park giving them a two-goal advantage at the break.

Image source, Reuters