Chelsea 3-1 Man United: Lauren James fires Blues to victory with a hat-trick

Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United: Lauren James starred as Chelsea defeated Manchester United to take a three point lead over Arsenal at the top of the WSL.

James netted twice in the first-half before Hayley Ladd fired back for the visitors on the brink of half-time.

The hosts remained in control throughout however, and James added a third to her tally to put the result beyond doubt on 86 minutes.

The Blues were playing their first WSL match since Sam Kerr's ACL injury, but the striker's absence seemed to be of little note as James fired home three superb goals against her former side.

Her first two came in the opening 23 minutes - the first (5) a well-worked team goal and the second after a fine ball over the top from January signing Nathalie Bjorn on her first Chelsea start (23).

But Man Utd soon began to work their way into the game and pulled a goal back through Hayley Ladd (43) at the end of the first half.

They had their chances to equalise too, but were undone by another moment of James brilliance. She burst through on goal before slotting past England team-mate Mary Earps for a third time (85), sealing Chelsea's win.

As a result, the Blues have restored their three-point lead at the top of the WSL. Man Utd remain in fourth, four points from the top three, but could find themselves slipping further down the table depending on the result of Sunday afternoon's game between Manchester City and Liverpool.

What's next?

Chelsea's next game is at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday January 24; kick-off 8pm.

The Blues then travel to Brighton in the WSL on Saturday January 27, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.

Manchester United are next in action at rivals Manchester City in the League Cup on Wednesday January 24; kick-off 7pm.

Marc Skinner's side then host Aston Villa in the WSL on Sunday January 28; kick-off 12pm.