Manchester City maintained their position in the Women’s Super League after edging past London City Lionesses in a thrilling encounter at Hayes Lane.

Andree Jeglertz’s side were pushed all the way by Eder Maestre’s hosts, who produced an impressive performance but were ultimately punished for their missed opportunities.

Elsewhere, Chelsea recorded a convincing 6-0 victory over Charlton Athletic, while Tottenham Hotspur claimed an impressive away win. Arsenal and Aston Villa shared the points, as did Everton and Manchester United, while Brighton and West Ham also secured victories.

Manchester City survive London City scare in thrilling contest

Manchester City had to dig deep to secure a 2-1 victory over London City Lionesses, with Lauren Hemp scoring the decisive goal just two minutes after Jana Fernandez had equalised.

The hosts started brightly and dominated much of the first half, creating several opportunities to take the lead against the defending champions.

Fernandez, Danielle van de Donk, Izzy Goodwin, Alexia Putellas and Kadidiatou Diani all had opportunities, but London City were unable to find the breakthrough their performance deserved.

Manchester City goalkeeper Mary Earps, making her first league start, played an important role in keeping the score level. She produced an excellent double save to deny Rebecca Knaak, tipping her header onto the post before recovering to claw the rebound away from the goal line.

London City went into the break having registered 12 shots, nine of which came from inside the penalty area, but only two were on target.

Their missed chances eventually proved costly after the interval.

Against the run of play, Khadija Shaw opened the scoring for Manchester City, showing her quality by rounding Earps before firing into the roof of the net.

London City responded impressively, with Fernandez heading home from a corner to bring the hosts level and reward their attacking efforts.

However, their celebrations were short-lived. Hemp diverted Mary Fowler’s cross into the net just two minutes later to restore Manchester City's advantage.

Shaw then struck the post as City looked to extend their lead, but the visitors ultimately had to withstand further pressure to see out the victory.

The result keeps Manchester City setting the pace at the top of the table, but there will be plenty of encouragement for London City despite the defeat.

Maestre’s side demonstrated that they can compete with the league’s strongest teams, although their lack of clinical finishing ultimately proved the difference.

Chelsea hit six as Charlton suffer heavy defeat

Chelsea returned to the top of the table with a thumping 6-0 victory over Charlton Athletic, scoring four times in the opening 19 minutes at The Valley.

Nathalie Björn opened the scoring after just three minutes, heading home Katie McCabe’s cross before Melvine Malard added a second from close range.

Ellie Carpenter made it three after reacting quickest to Anna Koivunen’s save from Lauren James, with Malard then grabbing her second of the afternoon before the 20-minute mark.

Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones added a fifth after the break, before Giulia Dragoni marked her first Chelsea goal with a brilliant turn and finish to complete the rout.

The result means Chelsea are level on points with Manchester City but have a superior goal difference. Charlton, meanwhile, remain bottom without a point from their opening eight matches.

Tottenham cruise past Birmingham City

Tottenham Hotspur ended their run of three consecutive league defeats with an impressive 4-1 victory away at Birmingham City.

Julie Blakstad broke the deadlock in the 37th minute before Olivia Holdt doubled Spurs' advantage with a superb free-kick shortly after half-time.

Signe Gaupset made it three with a powerful finish, although Neve Herron pulled one back for Birmingham from a corner.

Victoria Pelova restored Tottenham's three-goal cushion in the 83rd minute, rounding off a convincing performance that moved Martin Ho's side into fourth place.

The match also saw Spurs captain Drew Spence become the Barclays Women’s Super League's all-time appearance leader.

Arsenal rescued by Russo against Aston Villa

Alessia Russo scored a late equaliser as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

Villa took the lead in the 25th minute when Chasity Grant raced onto Lynn Wilms' pass, got beyond Steph Catley and calmly finished into the bottom corner.

Arsenal dominated possession and created plenty of opportunities but struggled to find a breakthrough, with goalkeeper Akane Okuma producing several important saves.

Stina Blackstenius eventually provided the assist for Russo, whose late header found the far corner to rescue a point for the Gunners.

The result means Arsenal remain without a home league victory this season, having now drawn all four of their matches at the Emirates.

West Ham put four past Liverpool

West Ham United secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Liverpool, with Viviane Asseyi scoring twice in an impressive attacking display.

Asseyi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute before Leila Wandeler doubled the hosts' advantage.

Laia Codina's long-range effort took a significant deflection before finding the net just before half-time, putting West Ham firmly in control.

Asseyi then completed her brace with a superb free-kick in the 62nd minute, while Vivien Endemann grabbed a late consolation for Liverpool.

The victory moved West Ham above Liverpool in the table, with the Hammers climbing to 10th.

Brighton come from behind to beat Crystal Palace

Brighton & Hove Albion recovered from a first-half deficit to claim a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Palace took a surprise lead through Annabel Blanchard, who curled home after Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie's poor pass presented an opportunity.

However, the Seagulls responded after the break, with Caitlin Hayes heading home Manuela Vanegas' cross in the 59th minute.

Sophie Peskett then completed the turnaround just five minutes later, diverting Emilie Joramo's effort into the net.

The result lifted Brighton to sixth, while Palace extended their winless run to seven matches.

Everton and Manchester United share the points

Everton and Manchester United played out a goalless draw at Goodison Park, with neither side able to find a breakthrough.

United came closest to snatching all three points when Elisabeth Terland raced onto Jess Park's through ball with 15 minutes remaining, but Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan produced an excellent save.

At the other end, Ornella Vignola missed two promising opportunities for the hosts, shooting straight at Phallon Tullis-Joyce on both occasions.

The result extended Manchester United's unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 matches, although their attacking struggles in the league continued.

Everton's organised defensive display ensured they picked up a valuable point against an in-form opponent.

Chelsea lead the way after eventful weekend

Chelsea returned to the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League after their emphatic victory over Charlton, moving level on points with Manchester City but ahead on goal difference.

Manchester City maintained their position at the summit with a hard-fought win over London City Lionesses, while Tottenham's victory moved them into fourth.

Arsenal were left frustrated by another home draw, while Brighton and West Ham claimed important victories. With results across the division continuing to shape the table, another eventful weekend has added further intrigue to the title race and battle for European qualification.