Emma Hayes makes WSL title race vow as final day looms

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes vows her side will 'give it everything' as they hunt down a fifth consecutive Women's Super League title having moved back into top spot ahead of the final day.

Hayes' side played out their game in hand on Wednesday night and narrowly edged Tottenham 1-0 away from home to move top ahead of Manchester City on goal difference.

Maika Hamano's first-half goal proved to be the difference on the night for Chelsea against Spurs. However, there will be some frustration they couldn't quite increase their goal difference, which they currently lead City by two, given that it will likely be the deciding factor.

Chelsea face the tougher test on Saturday with a trip to Old Trafford to face FA Cup winners Manchester United, while City take on Aston Villa at Villa Park. Hayes, though, is determined to make the most of the lifeline they've been given after City's shock defeat to Arsenal earlier this month.

"I think we've got the tougher of the two games," she told the BBC following their win over Tottenham. "We've got to go to Old Trafford and it's a fitting finale for me in my final game.

"As I said to the players, if someone gives you a second chance in life, make sure you don't need a third one. We're in the position we want to be in and we'll give it everything on Saturday no matter what."

Spurs presented a stern test for Chelsea on the night. After going a goal behind against United in the FA Cup final on Sunday, Robert Vilahamn's side crumbled in the second half and it was a comfortable victory in the end for the Red Devils.

That wasn't the case for the Lilywhites this time around as, despite trailing after Hamano's effort before the break, it was arguably Spurs who looked the likelier to score for most of the second half. Chelsea still threatened, but failed to capitalise in moments and it was much more tightly contested than Hayes would have liked.

"We have to work hard in every game in this league. You have to earn it," the Chelsea boss continued. "I've been saying all year the league is getting more and more competitive. It’s a great product because games are tight.

"Tottenham, on the back of a cup final, they put in a great effort. Especially in the second half. I'm really happy with our performance, especially in the first half. But we might have to do a little bit of shooting practice this week!"

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