Chelsea put a difficult few weeks behind them to leapfrog Man City at the top of the WSL after a 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
On March 31, the Blues lost to Arsenal in the Conti Cup final and, on Sunday, were knocked out of the FA Cup semi-finals by Manchester United, too.
They were handed a huge early advantage as they looked to continue their quest for a fifth straight league title, when Villa goalkeeper Anna Leat was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box.
Aggie Beever-Jones then put Emma Hayes’ side in front and Maika Hamano doubled the lead before the break, with Kadeisha Buchanan adding the gloss just after the hour.
Chelsea’s fourth straight WSL win sees them return top, level on points with City, but with a superior goal difference. Aston Villa stay seventh.
More to follow…
Watch the red card and the goals…
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Early red card for Aston Villa goalkeeper Anna Leat for handling the ball out of the area!
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Beaver-Jones gets the opener for Chelsea against Aston Villa in WSL.
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Hamano doubles Chelsea lead over Aston Villa in WSL.
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Buchanan’s looping header from a Macario corner makes it three for Chelsea against Aston Villa.
What’s next?
Chelsea head to Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Saturday April 20. Kick-off 12.30pm. The second leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Saturday April 27 at 5.30pm.
Chelsea’s Women’s Super League title bid continues at Liverpool on Wednesday May 1, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 7pm.
Aston Villa host West Ham in their next WSL fixture on Sunday April 28. Kick-off 2pm.
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