FRAN-TASTIC BLUES TAKE OVER AT TOP

WOMEN’S ROUND-UP

FRAN KIRBY’S winner ended Manchester United’s unbeaten start to the season as Chelsea leapfrogged them to take top spot in the Women’s Super League.

The Blues are now ahead on goal difference with a game in hand thanks to a 2-1 victory that doubled as a 13th consecutive home league win.

Pernille Harder turned in a rebound to give the hosts a half-time advantage.

But Lauren James curled in a cracking equaliser before Kirby struck four minutes later (top).

The England star latched on to a long ball over the top from goalkeeper Ann-katrin Berger to slot past United keeper Mary Earps.

Chelsea have not lost in 31 WSL games, equalling Manchester City’s record run between May 2015 and May 2017.

United coach Casey Stoney told her players that they had come up short when it mattered.

She said: “I am immensely proud of how far we’ve come but, for where we want to get to, we have to pick up points here.” ARSENAL’S championship hopes also took a dent after they were held to a 1-1 draw at READING.

Vivianne Miedema cancelled out Lauren Bruton’s Royals opener but the Gunners failed to net again in their first game in four weeks. MANCHESTER CITY moved to within two points of Arsenal by thrashing ASTON VILLA 7-0.

It was 6-0 at half-time thanks to Lauren Hemp’s double and strikes from Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway and Ellen

White, with Villa’s Natalie Haigh scoring an own goal.

City, who were without several players and selfisolating boss Gareth Taylor, added just one more after the break through Chloe Kelly.

Hemp (above) said: “I would’ve loved a hat-trick – I don’t think I’ve ever got one before. We’d have liked to score more goals in the second half but it really puts us in a good position and also makes a statement to the league that we’re definitely coming for the title.”

Izzy Christiansen (above) scored twice as EVERTON thrashed bottom club BRISTOL CITY 4-0.