Chelsea have delivered a major statement of intent in the Women's Super League (WSL) title race, beating Manchester City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to leapfrog their rivals and maintain their perfect start to the season.
The current WSL champions have been in imperious form so far this campaign, with their latest victory marking a seventh win from seven games and cementing their position at the top of the table.
Chelsea's success over Manchester City served as a significant test of their title credentials, with many tipping the match as a potential dress rehearsal for this season's championship showdown.
Despite the high stakes, Emma Hayes' side rose to the occasion to claim a hard-fought 2-0 win, a result that leaves them two points clear of Manchester City in the WSL standings.
The victory will serve as a major confidence boost for Chelsea as they continue their pursuit of a fourth consecutive WSL crown, while Manchester City will need to dust themselves down and regroup ahead of their next outing.
With the WSL title race heating up, fans of the women's game can look forward to a thrilling ride as Chelsea, Manchester City, and other top contenders battle it out for the championship.
Chelsea will now turn their attention to their next fixture, knowing that they must sustain their high levels of performance if they are to stay ahead of the pack and maintain their grip on the WSL title.