CHELSEA DESTROYS WEST HAM TO TAKE THE LEAD IN THE WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE.

Chelsea defeated West Ham United 4-0 on Wednesday to move atop the table and seize control of the title race. Pernille Harder scored her fifth goal in three Women’s Super League games, while Erin Cuthbert added a late goal.

Chelsea leads the standings with 52 points, two points ahead of Manchester United, and five ahead of Arsenal, who earlier in the evening thrashed Everton 4-1. All 12 teams have played 20 games in the 22-match season.

If Chelsea defeats Arsenal and Manchester United loses to fourth-place Manchester City on Sunday, it will win the title for the fourth consecutive season.

A great passing play by defender Charles culminated in a goal in the 13th minute, and Danish attacker Harder added a second goal three minutes after the interval to extend her streak of goals.

Just after the hour mark, Ingle scored the third goal with a header, and the Scotland international scored the fourth goal in extra time to give Chelsea the lead.

Reading is in the relegation zone at the bottom of the standings with 11 points, two behind Leicester City and three behind Tottenham Hotspur, whom they will face on Saturday before their last match against Chelsea.