Chelsea and Arsenal both secured impressive 5-0 victories, while Manchester United stunned Manchester City 4-2 in a dramatic derby, leading to significant shifts in the Women's Super League standings after the competition resumed post-Christmas break.
Chelsea, sitting at the top of the table with 31 points from 11 games, extended their lead, while Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace propelled them into second place, just ahead of Manchester United, who surged into third after defeating City.
City, slipping from second to fourth, now trail Chelsea by nine points, with their title hopes taking a serious blow from Ella Toone's hat-trick for United.
Chelsea's dominant performance saw them race to a 3-0 lead by halftime against West Ham United, with goals from Catarina Macario, Erin Cuthbert, and Aggie Beever-Jones. Sandy Baltimore added another early in the second half, and a late Amber Tysiak own goal sealed the 5-0 rout.
The victory kept Chelsea unbeaten with 10 wins from their 11 league matches this season. Meanwhile, Arsenal dismantled Crystal Palace after a 1-0 lead from Leah Williamson, adding four more goals in the second half to seal their dominant win.
The Manchester derby provided the drama of the weekend as Manchester United raced to a 3-0 lead over City, but City responded with two quick goals before halftime.
However, Toone completed her hat-trick in the opening minute of the second half, helping United to secure a 4-2 victory, their first-ever away win against City in the WSL.
Elsewhere, Liverpool started the second half of the season with a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, while Everton drew 1-1 at home with Aston Villa.
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