Chelsea made it 13 games unbeaten in the top-fight thanks to Sam Kerr's exquisite first half goal.

After the contest, Hayes reflected on the performance, updated on the injured Erin Cuthbert and explained why there were four changes to her side.

'That was our third game in a week, and it's three points. We've had injuries and illness in the squad so to do that shows exactly why the squad matters. The players who came in delivered. I thought we were comfortable and the better team.

'We knew we would be without the ball, so we had to be structured and defensively I thought we were. I think we could have won by more,' Hayes said.

'The difference for me is the squad game, even if we had three or four subs available, the players on the pitch did the job.'

She also updated on Erin Cuthbert, who she has revealed was ruled out with injury.

'She has a tight hamstring. She was not ready for today. Jelena [Cankovic] was not fit to start.

'I feel sometimes other teams get a hall pass for injured players. We've been without Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder for almost the entirety of the season. This team deserves huge credit as a whole, not just Sam Kerr.

'We kept a clean sheet today after a difficult and underwhelming performance against Arsenal last weekend. We have to play games every three days. What we determine in house are real Chelsea performances. We pride ourselves on certain things and they were in abundance today.'