Chelsea returned to the top of the Women's Super League table after beating title rivals Manchester City, while Manchester United continued their impressive run of form with victory over Crystal Palace.

Sandy Baltimore's first-half strike proved decisive at Stamford Bridge, with City also having to play the closing stages with 10 players after goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita was sent off.

Meanwhile, Maya Le Tissier marked her 150th appearance for Manchester United with a stunning goal as Eva Olid's side secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City

Chelsea moved back above Manchester City at the top of the WSL table after claiming a crucial victory over their title rivals at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts had created plenty of opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock just before half-time. Sandy Baltimore cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful strike beyond Ayaka Yamashita to give Chelsea a deserved lead.

Manchester City's task became even more difficult in the second half when Yamashita was sent off after rushing out of her penalty area and bringing down Alyssa Thompson.

City had been putting Chelsea under pressure, but the dismissal significantly hindered their hopes of finding an equaliser.

Chelsea also had to manage an injury to Melvine Malard, who was replaced by Aggie Beever-Jones after 35 minutes. Beever-Jones went close to extending the lead when she struck the post, shortly after Eartha Cumings had come on to replace the dismissed Yamashita.

The Blues ultimately held on to secure three important points, ending City's unbeaten start to the league campaign while maintaining their own.

Chelsea analysis: A statement victory in the title race

After being held to a goalless draw by BK Häcken in the Women's Champions League, Chelsea needed a response against their closest domestic rivals.

Sonia Bompastor's side created numerous opportunities in the first half but initially struggled to find the finishing touch. Baltimore's late strike, however, provided the breakthrough their performance deserved.

A defensive adjustment also proved important, with Veerle Buurman replacing Kadeisha Buchanan early in the first half. The change helped Chelsea deal with the threat of Khadija Shaw, who had caused problems in the opening stages.

Yamashita's dismissal gave Chelsea a numerical advantage, but they still had to remain disciplined as City searched for a way back into the contest.

The result was more than just three points. Chelsea have now moved a point clear at the summit and secured an important psychological victory over the team they are competing with for the title.

Manchester City analysis: Red card halts comeback hopes

Manchester City arrived at Stamford Bridge knowing they faced one of their toughest tests of the season, and their defeat represents a significant setback.

Gareth Taylor's side initially looked dangerous, with Shaw's movement in behind and Aoba Fujino's creativity causing problems for the Chelsea defence.

However, Chelsea gradually found a way to limit City's attacking threat, with Lauren Hemp also struggling to make her usual impact.

City improved after the interval and looked more threatening as they searched for an equaliser. Iman Beney came close late on, but Yamashita's red card made the task considerably harder.

The defeat ends City's unbeaten league run and leaves them a point behind Chelsea, setting up an intriguing battle for the title as the campaign continues.

Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace

Maya Le Tissier marked her 150th appearance for Manchester United with a stunning goal as Eva Olid's side secured a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace.

The United captain was presented with a framed shirt to commemorate the milestone before producing a moment to remember at Leigh Sports Village.

After 18 minutes of pressure from the hosts, Jess Park found Le Tissier around 25 yards from goal. The defender took a touch before sending a superb low effort into the bottom corner.

Palace showed greater attacking intent after the break and almost found an equaliser when Bethany England's effort rolled narrowly wide.

However, United soon restored their control of the contest, with Park once again providing the creativity. Her pass into the penalty area found Elisabeth Terland, who calmly finished into the corner to seal the three points.

The result moves United up to fourth in the table, just one point behind third-placed London City Lionesses, who face Arsenal on Sunday. Palace remain 11th.

Manchester United analysis: Olid's side continue to build momentum

United's start to the season was far from straightforward, with defeats in their opening two league matches raising questions about their early progress under Olid.

However, the Red Devils have responded impressively and are now unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions.

Their performance against Palace was another indication of the progress being made, with United in control for much of the contest and creating plenty of opportunities.

Le Tissier's landmark appearance was made even more memorable by her spectacular opener, while Park played a key role in both goals.

United have also shown greater consistency in recent weeks, becoming the first side to prevent Manchester City from winning this season before continuing their momentum against Palace.

With a place in the Champions League places firmly within reach, Olid's side are beginning to look increasingly competitive.