Leicester Women 0-4 Chelsea Women: Emma Hayes' side return to top of WSL table

Chelsea moved back to the top of the Women's Super League table with comprehensive 4-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

After wins for Manchester City and Arsenal earlier in the weekend, Chelsea knew anything but a win could derail their title hopes in Emma Hayes' last season at the club.

However, goals in the first half from Nathalie Bjorn (38) and Mayra Ramirez (44) put the Blues in firm control of the game, despite Leicester causing them a few problems in the opening 45 minutes.

Chelsea added a third in the 38th minute through Johanna Rytting Kaneryd before Hayes rung the changes with the game safe.

Fran Kirby returned from injury, whileCatarina Macario came on to make first Chelsea debut after 20 months on the sidelines with an ACL injury, and she marked the occasion with a goal to round off what proved to be a perfect night.

Victory sees Chelsea restore their three-point gap on third-placed Arsenal, who beat Spurs earlier in the day, while the Blues move level on points with Manchester City, but above them at the top of the standings on goal difference.

Chelsea travel to Man City on Thursday for a League Cup semi-final clash; kick-off 7.15pm.

Their busy schedule continues after that with an FA Cup quarter-final at Everton on Sunday March 10 (kick-off 1pm), before a crucial home clash against Arsenal in WSL, live on Sky Sports on Friday March 15; kick-off 7pm.

Leicester are also in FA Cup quarter-final action. They travel to Liverpool on Saturday; kick-off 12pm.

Kirk's side are back in WSL action on Sunday March 17 with a trip to Tottenham; kick-off 2pm.