Hayes sets high standards for Chelsea ahead of Arsenal showdown

Emma Hayes has demanded her table-topping side do not drop below "Chelsea standard" in their highly anticipated clash with title rivals Arsenal.

The Blues head into tomorrow's outing at Stamford Bridge top of the Women's Super League on goal difference over Manchester City, with the Gunners three points back in third, but have a point to prove after December's 4-1 thrashing in the reverse fixture.

It was a rare off day for Hayes' team and one that she has made it clear cannot be repeated.

She said: "I can accept losing, I absolutely can accept it. How you lose is another matter and the players are aware of that.

"We were bullied. We were second best in almost everything. We deserved to be on the losing end that day, by that scoreline.

"From a performance perspective, the players absolutely know what you have to do when you play for this football club.

"I expect a Chelsea performance, a Chelsea standard. I can't control the opposition but if you put that shirt on I expect a certain level. Regardless of who is absent, I expect a certain level from those who play."

Already missing a handful of key players, Hayes confirmed striker Mayra Ramirez and defender Nathalie Bjorn have picked up injuries and will sit out. Fran Kirby is a doubt and Lauren James is struggling with sickness.

Despite those fresh headaches, Hayes suggested she would continue to ease Catarina Macario in and hold the American forward back from a starting role.

After 20 months out with a serious knee problem, she scored five minutes into her debut appearance against Leicester and made a match-winning cameo against Everton at the weekend.

Hayes explained: "Of course I want her to play, the team want her to play, the fans want her to play but you risk everything going back to the beginning again.

"Psychologically, I think she's almost there. You just have to listen to the whole argument. You run the risk of doing too much, too quickly and we've spent such a long time getting Cat to this point that I'd hate to lose her because we're a tad impatient."