Chelsea v Liverpool, Aston Villa v Tottenham, and more: Women’s Super League – live

Kingsmeadow, Villa Park and Leigh Sports Village served up a Sunday of seismic swings as the Barclays Women’s Super League produced a 10-goal thriller, a stoppage-time leapfrog and a statement performance from the division’s in-form star.

Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool Lauren James’ dazzling solo effort on 57 minutes settled a tight contest at Kingsmeadow and lifted Chelsea temporarily into second place, only for Manchester United’s last-gasp drama to relegate them to third by the final whistle. James, who had been searching for rhythm after recent injury setbacks, collected possession on the left, drifted inside and arrowed a rising drive beyond Teagan Micah for her fifth goal in four league outings. Sjoeke Nüsken had earlier broken the deadlock, converting the winger’s low cross at the near post after 38 minutes of stubborn Liverpool resistance. The Reds thought they had struck first when Ceri Holland’s cross was slammed home by Alice Bergström, but the goal was chalked off for handball in the build-up. Despite monopolising possession, Chelsea rarely found a way through Liverpool’s compact back five until James’ moment of inspiration ensured the champions’ pursuit of a Champions League berth remains intact.

Aston Villa 3-7 Tottenham Hotspur Villa Park witnessed the match of the season as Tottenham punished every error in a dizzying 10-goal spectacle. Signe Gaupset opened the floodgates inside six minutes, steering a fierce near-post strike past Ellie Roebuck, before Beth England’s deflected effort and Olivia Holdt’s angled drive put the visitors three up after 17 minutes. Kirsty Hanson’s solo breakaway briefly restored belief for the hosts, yet Spurs’ relentless press told after the restart. England-bound Maika Hamano raced from halfway to dink a fourth, Julie Blakstad headed in a corner, and substitute Cathinka Tandberg thrashed a seventh to complete the rout. Villa’s consolation came through Oriane Jean-François and a late double from Hanson, but manager Natalia Arroyo cut a forlorn figure at full-time: “It was like being thrown in a swimming pool and not allowed to get air – it was cruel.” Gaupset, named player of the match, said the win was proof of Spurs’ attacking ambition: “We’ve been speaking about scoring goals; to score seven is amazing.”

Manchester United 2-1 London City Lionesses Marc Skinner’s side maintained their unbeaten streak in dramatic fashion, Millie Turner’s 90th-minute header from Maya Le Tissier’s free-kick propelling United above Chelsea into second and within four points of leaders Arsenal. The Lionesses, sixth in their debut top-flight campaign, had stunned Leigh Sports Village when Nikita Parris headed home after five minutes and could have doubled the lead when Jana Fernández blazed over from close range. Turner levelled with a thumping volley early in the second half, yet United looked destined for a draw until Turner stole in at the far post to spark jubilant scenes. “To go 1-0 down and react the way we did is huge,” Turner told reporters. “It shows how much depth we’ve got.”

Everton 1-0 West Ham United Hannah Blundell’s swift counter-attack and Honoka Hayashi’s tap-in proved enough for Brian Sørensen’s side, who climb to seventh. Inma Gabarro twice went one-on-one with Kinga Szemik but could not convert, while a second-half Everton header from a corner was mysteriously ruled out. West Ham, winless in five, remain 10th.

Brighton v Arsenal postponed The day’s early kick-off fell victim to a waterlogged pitch at the Broadfield Stadium, denying Arsenal the chance to extend their advantage at the summit.

With three rounds remaining, United’s late show cranked up the pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal, while Spurs’ goal spree keeps their European hopes flickering. The title race may still be alive, but the drama is guaranteed.