A sensational first half helped Chelsea thrash Everton 7-0 in the WSL to maintain their push for the league title.
Guro Reiten's early strike got the ball rolling with Aussie star Sam Kerr then adding a second before going off injured. Pernille Harder, Sophie Ingle and Jessie Fleming all got on the scoresheet before half-time as Emma Hayes' side hammered the Toffees.
The Blues needed to take maximum points to keep their title destiny within their own hands following Man Utd’s 3-0 win over Tottenham in the lunchtime kick-off. But the Blues responded with a dominant display and although they were quieter after the break, Harder added a sixth, before Erin Cuthbert fired home a seventh in injury time.
Everton, who have taken more points on the road than at home this season, were unable to offer any sort of response after the floodgates opened. Brian Sorensen's team have still had a positive WSL campaign, but struggled on an off night against the on song Blues, who have retaining their title firmly in their sights.
Here are the big talking points.
1. Goal difference could be crucial
The half-time stats said it all for Chelsea. Five shots on target, five goals. After a poor night in front of goal against Liverpool, the Blues were ruthless here with relentless precision.
By the time Ingle and Fleming were finding the net before the break, double figures looked genuinely possible - remarkable considering how good Everton have been away from home this season. But it could prove crucial in the WSL title race.
Before kick-off the Blues had +29 goal difference, with title rivals United on +42. That deficit needed eroding and Hayes' side duly delivered with seven excellent goals. Should Chelsea draw against Arsenal in two weeks' time and win their remaining games, they and United would be locked on 56 points, not an unrealistic scenario.
If that happens the title will be decided on goal difference, meaning the scoreline really did matter.
2. Reiten class sets the tone for champions
It feels strange to say with that scoreline, but Chelsea weren't actually great for the first ten minutes of this game. Everton looked hungrier and were first to every second ball.
At that point it looked like the match could be another nail-biter for Blues' fans, just like Wednesday's narrow win over Liverpool. But the game turned thanks to a moment of class from one of Chelsea's players of the season, Guro Reiten.
With Chelsea's first shot Reiten drilled a superb effort past Courtney Brosnan, for her third goal in five starts against Everton. On current form she will be hard to leave out of the WSL Team of the Season.
3. Kerr key again but injury concerns continue
A day after leading the Australian delegation at the King's Coronation, Sam Kerr was back to the day job of scoring goals. In the 25th minute she rose to meet an excellent centre from Niamh Charles to head home her 10th league goal of the season.
It gave Chelsea breathing space from which they never looked back and ensured, after an uncertain start, a comfortable night for Hayes' side. The one real negative from the evening came only minutes later when Kerr went down with an injury, holding her ankle.
After extensive treatment, Hayes replaced her with Harder who only recently returned from injury herself. Kerr was able to walk off the pitch and Harder scored within minutes to ensure the Aussie forward at least wasn't missed this evening.
But Chelsea supporters will be desperate Kerr comes through this week unscathed, just seven days ahead of the FA Cup Final at Wembley.
4. Everton unable to show their best with injuries
This was a tough night for Brian Sorensen's team, who have often equipped themselves well against the top sides. The visitors started well and had it not been for slightly wasteful passing in the final third, Everton could have threatened an upset.
For the first ten minutes they were much the better side. But once Reiten produced a moment of class, they struggled to deal with the pace of the game.
With the Toffees missing key players like Jess Park and Gabby George, it was always going to be a tough evening. The last 15 minutes of the first half made it a nightmare.
Everton shouldn't be judged on one poor half against the WSL holders, but Sorensen will know his squad needs greater depth if they are to close the gap on the top four next season.
5. Musovic highlights strength in depth in goal
Hayes choose to give Zecira Musovic only her sixth start of the season in goal tonight, with Ann-Katrin Berger rested. And whenever Everton did attack and get near the hosts goal, Musovic was composed in her claiming and handling.
It was a stark reminder of the talent Hayes has at her disposal, with the likes of Lauren James, Harder and in-form Jess Carter all joining Berger on the bench. Chelsea may have plenty of games to play this month as they chase the double.
Musovic's clean sheet showed once again she is safe pair of hands when called upon for the Blues. She may well be used again this week with Leicester to come on Wednesday, before next Sunday's FA Cup final with Man Utd.
6. Chelsea start huge week the right way
This could be a season defining week for Chelsea. And given how poor they were in the win over Liverpool on Wednesday, their were whispers around whether they would be at their best.
But with Leicester to come in the WSL in midweek, before the cup final with league rivals United, Chelsea have found top gear again. Leicester have had a real revival recently and won't be easy to beat.
But if the Blues get past them they will move to within a point of table toppers United. Chelsea could then end United's bid for a double at Wembley next week.
Not only could they secure a trophy, but they could also deal a huge phycological blow to Marc Skinner's team. It is a huge week and if they come through it unscathed, the double will be very much on.
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