Goals from Bethany England and Sam Kerr wrapped up an important win for the Blues who remain top of the WSL with two league games left.

The Blues move one step closer to retaining the WSL for the third consecutive year.

Speaking at full-time, Hayes said: ‘I think it’s so difficult playing the same team twice in four days, really weird. I thought first half with the tempo, we should have scored more goals. However, I thought second half we tired. Sunday took its toll and I just thought we looked a little leggy, but we just had to see the game out!’

Chelsea went 1-0 up through England, however Spurs scored an equaliser via Kerys Harrop, but the Blues reacted immediately and went ahead again on the stroke of half-time through Kerr.

‘I thought it was a great response to the equaliser, really sharp in our minds. I think we deserved to win the game without it being our best performance, I think these are the sorts of performances that are always in this part of the season and we did the job and that’s the main thing.’

Pernille Harder played 70 minutes for the Blues, with Hayes managing the Dane’s minutes following a knee injury.

Harder assisted Kerr’s goal, curling a perfect ball into the box for our No.20 to head home.

Hayes added: ‘I have to try and manage her because she’s been out and to come in, play for 45 minutes the other day in tough circumstances, managed to get another 70 out of her today. We have to take care of her because she just needs to look after her knee, she’s got a Euros coming up as well.

‘It’s her mentality, straight from the kick-off she gets straight into a great situation, provides an amazing assist for Sam and it’s great to have her back.’

When asked about the title race, the boss said: ‘It’s really weird playing the same team twice. I felt confident coming into the game, I always thought it’d be a different game here.

‘The game was comfortable but because we didn’t get the third goal they were always in it. I had a lot of experience on the pitch and the way we managed that last part and adapted again, I thought was outstanding from the team.

‘Right now it’s just getting the job done, getting the three points and then on to the next one. That’s all we’re thinking about now – Sunday – and then on Sunday I then get the chance to reflect where we really are.’

Kerr netted her 18th WSL goal of the season and 28th in all competitions last night and Hayes was full of praise for the centre-forward.

‘She’s such a top player in every way. You go and look at her all-round stats as a centre forward and no one comes close to her in this league, maybe worldwide.

‘She has contributions to the team goals, her own goalscoring record, her work rate is phenomenal. On Sunday she ran her socks off and yet she’s run for another 90 minutes here. Unbelievable team player, will do anything for the team and so deserving with what she’s getting and the recognition she’s getting.’

It’s a quick turnaround for Hayes’ side who travel to Birmingham City in the penultimate game of the season on Sunday. Our clash against the Midlands side will kick-off at 6:45pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.