Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hailed "genius footballer" Lauren James for stepping up in Sam Kerr's absence.

James scored a hat-trick as the Blues beat Manchester United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to regain their three-point lead at the top of the Women's Super League.

It was Chelsea's first league game since striker Kerr sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Hayes said it will be a team effort to find goals in her absence.

"Everybody has to take their turns," she said. "Lauren took that today for the team."

You can read more of what Hayes had to say on James here.

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We'll hear from Man City boss Gareth Taylor and Liverpool manager Matt Beard shortly.

First, let's recap today's WSL action so far...

Khadija Shaw (Man City) - 12

Lauren James (Chelsea) - 10

Elisabeth Terland (Brighton) - 9

Martha Thomas (Tottenham) - 7

Jill Roord (Man City) - 6

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West Ham are only off the bottom spot on goal difference and could easily slip into the relegation zone with a poor result at home.

But they can take plenty of positives from their last match, a 3-1 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup where they took the holders to extra time.

Plus, Hammers boss Rehanne Skinner has been given the backing she craved in the January transfer window with the arrivals of internationals Katrina Gorry, Kristie Mewis and Shelina Zadorsky.

"We're getting closer and closer to getting those results that we're looking for," said Skinner. "I've got no doubt that will happen soon."

Speaking of the late game...

Brighton's last gasp win over Bristol City has really opened a chasm between the bottom two and the rest.

West Ham can open a three point gap between themselves and the relegation place if they beat Tottenham in the late game.

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It's a three-horse race for the WSL title, with Chelsea currently ahead by a nose.

Manchester City continue to lay down markers however, and their goal difference boost from today's match means they are now level with the Blues on that metric.

Image source, Opta

An error-strewn game in dreadful weather conditions, but one which Man City have come through with a good win and three big points.

Khadija Shaw just keeps on scoring, and City have reduced the gap to Chelsea back down to three points.

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A final corner for City, an outswinger by Chloe Kelly.

It is headed away.

Man City are passing away the added time in relative comfort.

The hardy fans who attended the Joie Stadium today are just starting to drift back to their cars and the trams.

Into seven minutes of added time.

I think by this point, both teams just want to get inside and dry out.

Gemma Bonner narrowly avoids a second own goal, clearing over her own crossbar following a low Jess Park cross.

Ruby Mace meets the low corner but sweeps a shot wide.

Into the final few minutes, it has been a thoroughly professional performance for City today - apart from the defensive mix-up which allowed Liverpool to lead.

This is a Liverpool side which won at Manchester United before the winter break, remember. City have made this Reds side look a lot more ordinary than they really are.

A raft of changes for both sides.

Jess Park and Ruby Mace are on for City, replacing Jill Roord and Lauren Hemp.

For Liverpool, Niamh Fahey and Melissa Lawley have come on, with Grace Fisk and Sophie Roman Haug replaced.

As a penalty was given, the referee could not also give a red card. Such are the modern rules.

Well that foul was a good couple of yards outside the area, but the referee has given a penalty to Manchester City!

No VAR in the WSL, remember...

Lauren Hemp is sat up and smiling. Good to see.

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Lauren Hemp is absolutely poleaxed by Teagan Micah as she sprints onto a through ball. The England international falls awkwardly and needs treatment.

Micah is booked, and City get a free kick as the offence was just outside the box. For my money, Micah should see red for that, especially as it isn't a penalty.

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