Composite: Guardian Picture Desk
No Kerr, no problem? James moves to Chelsea
Chelsea returned to WSL action with a 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 stepped up in her absence and scored a hat-trick against her former side to maintain Chelsea's three-point lead at the top of the table. The England international was clinical when finding the ball in the penalty area, which proved to be the key difference between the two teams. James has ten goals in ten league games and if she continues this form, Emma Hayes has absolutely nothing to worry about. "People are not simple," Hayes said after the game. "There are a lot of complexities associated with Lauren, but she is a brilliant football player. I'm happy for her. She wanted to show the home fans that she could take a step forward, that she can do it as a No. 10 and as a No. 9 in the second half. Her hold-up game is incredible. Emilia Hawkins
Shaw picks up where she left off in 2023
The WSL break clearly hasn't affected Khadija Shaw's form 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 Chloe Kelly's penalty set up Shaw's impressive treble, meaning she equaled Vivianne Miedema's record for most hat-tricks in a WSL season, with the Arsenal forward scoring 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, values her teammates and knows that if she gets into the right areas she will get good opportunities ." The goals took Shaw back to the top of the WSL scoring charts at 12, just a few hours after Lauren James was swept above her. Sarah Rendell
The story continues
Clinton enjoys renewed confidence
Grace Clinton, on loan to Tottenham from Manchester United, is enjoying her newfound confidence, scoring two goals and an assist in their dramatic 4-3 win over West Ham at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Since arriving in the summer for a season-long stint, the 20-year-old has consistently delivered excellent performances, showing significant development under the guidance of Robert Vilahamn and his trusted approach. "[Tottenham] have given me the confidence and freedom to express myself," she said. "I really enjoy being with the group and just love playing football." Vilahamn praised her consistency and skill and expressed his desire to sign the midfielder permanently, saying: "It would be stupid not to. [hold on to her]." Emily Keogh
Wälti integral as Arsenal continue the chase
Lia Wälti has been the subject of rumors regarding her future during this transfer window, but the Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevall, has been very quick to dismiss them. Her performance against Everton on Saturday illustrated exactly why the Swede rates his captain so highly. Her positioning to the left of Victoria Pelova in central midfield is fundamental to Arsenal's style. In their crucial 2-1 win, she was one of the star defensively, while her ability to drift wide to support the attack is crucial. From this area she provided the assist for Beth Mead's winner, a beautifully placed cross to the far post that screamed home. It was a standout display in what was ultimately a game Arsenal needed to win to keep their title hopes alive. Everton were well organized and proved difficult to break, but this time the Gunners' dominance on the ball and in attack paid off. Sophie Downey
Clinical Terland gives Brighton breathing space
On a weekend that showcased the capabilities of the WSL's top 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 saw the Norwegian at her clinical best and made her Brighton's all-time top scorer after just two seasons at the club. Against Bristol City she won the match in dramatic fashion, a 95th minute winner breaking the visitors' hearts and lifting Melissa Phillips' side out of the relegation battle. The Robins had proved a thorn in Brighton's side, twice coming from behind to earn themselves a 2-2 draw within seconds of returning home, which would have taken them off the bottom of the league. But as stoppage time wore on, they sat deeper and deeper, invited pressure, and paid the price. Next week they host second-placed West Ham in a crucial high-stakes encounter in the battle for the WSL's survival. Sophie Downey
Leicester had to pay for not taking their chances
Leicester's performance against Aston Villa was a snapshot of their season so far: full of effort and very good periods, but without sharpness. 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 took the lead through Rachel Daly's volley, was a constant threat on the right wing. She often had to deal with the defeat of Aston Villa's defenders and pushed her way into good positions, but lacked an end product. She fired over from six yards after Mayumi Pacheco's slip in the penalty area and squandered her chance for redemption minutes later when her shot was saved by Daphne van Domselaar. Ava Baker's successor was taken off the line by Sarah Mayling. Leicester manager Willie Kirk lamented his side's waste. "We had more than enough clear chances to get something out of that game." he said. The Foxes have gone nine games without a win and will need to start converting chances quickly if Kirk is not to go the way of previous manager Lydia Bedford, who went 16 games without a win before being sacked. Xaymaca Awoyungbo
