WSL Matchday 10 round-up: Hayes hails step in the right direction

Gavin Glicksman

LiveScore

Lauren James was on the scoresheet as Emma Hayes' side won 3-0

Emma Hayes hailed Chelsea's performance against Bristol City as the Women's Super League champions bounced back from their mauling at Arsenal to record a 3-0 win at Ashton Gate.

The Blues moved three points clear at the top of the table thanks to goals from Lauren James, Erin Cuthbert and Sam Kerr.

And despite Niamh Charles seeing red late in the game, Hayes was pleased with her side's display.

She said: "I thought it was a really good performance first half. I thought we were ruthless in front of goal.

"In general, I thought it was a much better performance from the team.

"It's where you are at the end of the season that matters, so we don't get carried away regardless.

"We are champions. But for us to win another title we have to keep improving and today was a step in the right direction."

Laura's landmark

Laura Coombs was delighted to make her 100th appearance for Manchester City as Gareth Taylor's side beat Everton 4-1.

The England international, 32, played 74 minutes at Walton Hall Park as Khadija Shaw's hat-trick and a Jill Roord strike handed City their fourth successive league win.

Speaking to the club's official website, she said: "I didn't know it was coming up, to be honest, but super happy to make it.

"It's been a great four-and-a-half seasons and I'm glad to have made the milestone.

"[The team] feels really young, energetic and with a great future ahead of us. I think it feels really fresh at the minute and everyone is competing for spaces.

"Everyone's playing a great part in it."

A disappointing result

Leah Galton could not hide her disappointment after Manchester United slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village.

Marc Skinner's Red Devils took an early lead through Ella Toone but were pegged back by a Millie Turner own goal before Reds skipper Taylor Hinds netted what turned out to be the winner.

Striker Galton, 29 told United's website: "It's disappointing, we're gutted about today,

"But it's done now. You kind of have to take the break, regroup and move on to the next game.

"If anything, the [winter] break should make us more hungry. We'll just have to work super hard over Christmas and take the positives."