WSL: Chelsea beat Everton in absence of Emma Hayes; Arsenal win at Reading and Tottenham overcome Liverpool

Pernille Harder scored twice as Chelsea beat Everton in the absence of manager Emma Hayes.

Chelsea announced on Thursday that Hayes is taking time away from the game as she recovers from an emergency hysterectomy.

The Chelsea players wore shirts which read “Get Well Soon Emma” in the warm-up against Everton and an important win will have pleased Hayes watching from afar.

Harder, making her first appearance of the season, put Chelsea ahead with a header in the first half before Kadeisha Buchanan’s own goal made it 1-1 early in the second half.

But Harder soon restored Chelsea’s lead from the penalty spot and Niamh Charles sealed the win in stoppage time.

Later on Sunday, Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the WSL season by beating Reading to move level with Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the WSL.

Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal for the Gunners in the first half.

Missing key players Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza through injury, Arsenal had to dig deep.

Kim Little had a second-half penalty saved by Reading goalkeeper Jackie Burns but Arsenal overcame a stubborn Reading side in testing conditions.

Manchester United sit top of the WSL on goal difference after they beat Brighton 4-0.

Tottenham beat Liverpool 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Niamh Fahey.