Chelsea get lucky! Erin Cuthbert wonder strike settles edgy WSL clash with West Ham as Blues benefit from Hammers' shocking finishing and incorrect offside decision to move back above Man City in title race

A superb no-look pass from Lauren James set up Aggie Beever-Jones, who swept home to give the visitors a second-minute lead. Far from rolling over, however, the Hammers grew into the game and looked to have equalised through Honoka Hayashi, only for officials to incorrectly rule she was offside. The lively Riko Ueki nearly scored a goal of the season contender when her 30-yard strike crashed off the crossbar, before Viviane Asseyi missed a glorious chance from four yards out as the fortunate Blues limped into the interval with a slender advantage.

Ueki was the next to be hit with more bad luck as the Japanese international rounded Hannah Hampton in goal, but was wrongly flagged for offside early in the second half. Chelsea managed to weather the storm and after some second-half changes, substitute Erin Cuthbert put the game beyond doubt with a delightful finish two minutes from time to secure a crucial three points.

Erin Cuthbert: The midfielder, who has impressed all season long, was rested after starring for the Blues in their midweek win over Ajax in the Champions League. But the second-half substitute led by example with a vital goal when West Ham threatened an equaliser. The result means Chelsea are ahead of second-placed City by virtue of having a superior goal difference to their rivals.

Riko Ueki: The 24-year-old was arguably the best player on the pitch but despite being a threat all game, she couldn't find the net and the officials didn't help her either when they appeared to deny her a near-certain goal. Despite an impressive display, the Japan star and 11th-placed West Ham left empty-handed.

Next up, Chelsea face Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday before taking on Arsenal in the final of the FA Women's League Cup on Sunday, March 31. The day prior, Man City travel to Liverpool looking to go top of the table once more.