talking points from the weekend’s action

Comprised of: Custodian Pictures Desk

No Kerr, no problem? James steps up for Chelsea

Chelsea returned to WSL action with a statement 3-1 win over last season’s title rivals Manchester United. With Sam Kerr out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury some might have expected the Blues to struggle in attack. However, Lauren James rose to the occasion in her absence, scoring a hat-trick against her former side to move Chelsea three points clear at the top of the table. The England international was clinical whenever she found the ball in the penalty area, which was the main difference between the two teams. James has 10 goals in 10 league games and if she keeps up this form, Emma Hayes has nothing to worry about. “Human beings are not simple,” Hayes said after the game. “Lauren has a lot of complexities, but she’s a great footballer. I am happy for her. She wanted to show the home fans that she can step forward, that she can do it as a No. 10 and a No. 9 in the second half. Her performance is incredible.” Emilia Hawkins

Shaw continues where she left off in 2023

Khadija Shaw’s form has clearly not been affected by the WSL break as she scored her third hat-trick in four league games in Manchester City’s 5-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday. A Gemma Bonner own goal and a Chloe Kelly penalty capped Shaw’s impressive run, which meant he equaled Vivianne Miedema’s record for most hat-tricks in a WSL season, after the Arsenal forward had three in 2018-19. City manager Gareth Taylor spoke highly of Shaw in his post-match interview: “She recognizes the opportunities she gets in this team, she respects her team-mates and she knows if she succeeds in the areas rights that she will have a good chance.” The goals returned Shaw to the top of the scoring WSL chartson 12 just a few hours after Lauren James nipped above her. Sarah Rendell

The story continues

Clinton enjoying new confidence

Tottenham loanee Grace Clinton from Manchester United is relishing her newfound self-assurance and bagged two goals and an assist in their dramatic 4-3 win over West Ham at the Chigwell Stadium. Since she arrived during the summer for a season, the 20-year-old has consistently delivered excellent performances, showing significant development under the guidance of Robert Vilahamn, and his reliable approach. “[Tottenham] which gave me the confidence and freedom to express myself,” she said. “I’m really enjoying being in the group and I love playing football.” Praising his consistency and skill, Vilahamn expressed his desire to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis, saying: “I would be a fool not to [hold on to her].” Emily Keogh

Wälti central as Arsenal keep up chase

There have been rumors surrounding Lia Wälti’s future during this transfer window but Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has been quick to dismiss them. Her performance against Everton on Saturday was a demonstration of exactly why the Swede holds her captain in such high regard. Her position to the left of Victoria Pelova in midfield is fundamental to Arsenal’s style. In the crucial 2-1 win, she was one of the best competitors defensively and her ability to drift wide to support the attack is vital. It was from this area that she provided the assist for Beth Mead’s winner, a well-placed cross at the far post that curled home. It was a great display in a must-win game for Arsenal to keep their title hopes alive. Everton were well organized and difficult to break down but this time the Gunners’ dominance on the ball and in attack paid off. Sophie Downey

Clinical Terland gives Brighton breathing room

On a weekend that featured the prowess of the WSL’s leading strikers – see Lauren James and Bunny Shaw’s hat tricks – Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland continues to put her name firmly in the conversation. Her eighth and ninth goals of the season showed the Norwegian at her clinical best and made her Brighton’s all-time top scorer after two seasons at the club. Against Bristol City she won the game in dramatic style, a 95th minute winner that broke the visitors’ hearts and lifted Melissa Phillips’ team out of the relegation battle. The Robins were a thorn in Brighton’s side, coming from behind twice to find themselves within seconds of returning home with a 2-2 draw that lifted them from bottom of the league. But as time went by they hurt deeper and deeper, inviting pressure, and they paid the price. They host second-placed West Ham next week in a crucial high-stakes encounter in the battle for WSL survival. Sophie Downey

Leicester paid for not taking their chances

Leicester’s performance against Aston Villa was a reflection of their season so far: full of effort and really good spells but no breakthrough. And so it ended in a 1-0 defeat. In many ways Deanne Rose’s performance summed it all up. The Canada international, brought on at half-time after Villa had taken the lead through Rachel Daly’s volley, was a constant threat down the right wing. She often beat the Aston Villa defenders, moving into good positions, but she did not have a final result. She blasted over six goals after Mayumi Pacheco’s slip in the box and missed her chance at redemption a minute later, when Daphne van Domselaar saved her shot. Ava Baker’s follow-up was sent off the line by Sarah Mayling. Leicester manager Willie Kirk said his side were disappointed “We had more than enough clear cut chances to get something from that game.” he said. The Foxes are without a win in nine games and will need to start converting chances soon if Kirk is not to go the way of previous manager Lydia Bedford, who went on a 16-match unbeaten run before being sacked. Devil