Chelsea take control of the WSL title race with a thrashing of Leicester

Pernille Harder scored twice as chelsea set up for the FA Cup final by moving a point behind Women’s Super League leaders Manchester United thanks to a 6-0 thrashing of the lowly leicester.

Emma Hayes’ reigning champions, who take on United at Wembley on Sunday, took control of the match courtesy of Guro Reiten’s eighth-minute strike and Erin Cuthbert’s 50th goal for the club.

Harder’s second brace in as many games, following a brace in Sunday’s 7-0 thrashing of Everton, left the result beyond doubt before half-time.

Lauren James extended the Blues’ lead with a stunning solo goal on 56 minutes before Jelena Cankovic completed the scoring in added time with another spectacular strike.

Second-placed Chelsea, who have won four league games in a row, have one game to go over title rivals United and an identical goal difference.

Relegation-threatened Leicester (beaten 8-0 at home by the Blues in December) remain two points clear of bottom club Reading with two games to go after their 15th defeat in a campaign difficult.

Arsenal boosted their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League by moving up to third place after Stina Blackstenius’ opening brace helped them to a 4-0 win over Brighton.

Swedish striker Blackstenius scored after 6 and 8 minutes to lead the visitors to a comfortable victory.

Frida Maanum and Victoria Pelova also scored first-half goals for the Gunners, who edged past Manchester City on goal difference with one game remaining.