Chelsea 5-1 Liverpool: Lauren James scores hat-trick as Blues increase WSL lead

Lauren James scored a superb hat-trick as Chelsea emphatically increased their lead at the top of the WSL to six points with a 5-1 win over Liverpool.

James rolled in the opener after 11 minutes to reward the Blues' fast start, with Aggie Beever-Jones' header restoring their lead after Jess Carter's own goal had levelled proceedings.

The England star netted her stunning second when she arrowed in from close-range following impressive hold-up play from Sam Kerr and ensured she left with the match ball after finishing off Johanna Rytting Kaneryd's square ball.

Rytting Kaneryd set up the fifth of the day, too, laying the ball on a plate for Sjoeke Nusken to complete the rout with 12 minutes to play.

Chelsea move six points clear of second-placed Arsenal in the table as a result of their sixth win of the season, while Liverpool stay down in fifth. They could be leapfrogged by Manchester City on Sunday if they win the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Chelsea play their second Champions League group fixture on Thursday when they host Paris FC, before hosting Leicester on Sunday November 26 in the WSL; kick-off 2pm.

Liverpool take on Manchester United in the Conti Cup on Wednesday, before hosting Brighton in the WSL on Sunday November 26; kick-off 2pm.