In a game where the blustery conditions played a role, City's Jess Park cleared Erin Cuthbert's corner off the line.

Park was denied an equaliser by an excellent save from Ann-Katrin Berger.

City finished the game strongly but could not find an equaliser, with Lauren Hemp denied in the closing moments by Millie Bright's block.

Chelsea dig deep for victory

This was a dress rehearsal for the Continental League Cup Final on 5 March between last season's top two in the WSL.

For the second time this season Hayes emerged triumphant against City as Chelsea followed up their 4-0 win in Manchester in November with another three points.

This time, however, the reigning champions had to dig deep despite going ahead early.

Chelsea boss Hayes was full of praise for her team, describing it as a "controlled, measured, calm, champion-like performance".

"What this team does really well is what we're doing in the business end of the season - producing performance after performance. It's dogged.

"It was diligent out of possession. Our defensive strategy was brilliant.

"The wind was a big factor, and that was the biggest factor in the second half. It was hard to get out with that wind, it then made it unpredictable."

It sets them up well for another huge game on Friday against Arsenal, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United on Saturday.

If Chelsea, who have a game in hand over the Gunners, win that game then they will replace their London rivals at the top.

That match will be in front of another sell-out home crowd, which Hayes felt gave her side the edge against Manchester City.

"I love them. I do. They're so brilliant," she said. "Days like this when it's packed - it's just that extra lift.

"We know there is not a lot between the two teams but with them we just had that little bit extra in a game that was so tight. I hope that's the case on Friday too."

Her side produced some excellent link-up play while Cuthbert produced another influential midfield performance.

Chelsea's latest victory was built on another strong defensive performance as the hosts recorded a seventh clean sheet in the past eight WSL games.

City start derby week on back of defeat

City head coach Gareth Taylor said his side were "unfortunate" not to come away with at least a point after making Chelsea fight all the way.

"We completely dominated the second period," he said. "We probably took about 20 minutes to get going, and then we started to find our rhythm, our game.

"The second half they were hanging on and Chelsea did what they do quite well, which is protect the goal more often that not."

Ruby Mace fired over the bar before Park was denied by Berger's fine save towards the end of the first half.

However, City - who finished two points behind the champions last season - are now 10 points off the summit after a second league game without a win.

Taylor admitted it was "a big gap", but added: "We need to keep chipping away at it."

They will prepare for next Sunday's derby with Manchester United on the back of a fifth WSL defeat of the campaign.

Worryingly for Taylor, his side are struggling for clean sheets. They have managed just three in the league since the opening weekend of the season.