VIDEO: Lauren James benefits from Manuela Zinsberger howler before Sjoeke Nusken double gives Chelsea a comfortable lead in huge WSL clash against Arsenal

Lauren James reaped the benefits from a huge mistake from Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger to give Chelsea the lead in their WSL clash on Friday.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• James fired Chelsea to first-half lead
• Nusken followed up with two goals for Blues
• Home team sit top of WSL with Arsenal third

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England hero received a pass from Sjoeke Nusken and found space to unleash a shot towards goal that was initially saved by Zinsberger, but the goalkeeper still could not keep the ball out of the net as it bounced over the line. Just six minutes later, Nusken was on the scoresheet, too, as she was there to divert Erin Cuthbert's shot past the Gunners goalkeeper. The German then followed it up with her team's third goal just after the half-hour mark.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It was a nightmare start for Arsenal, who were forced to wear Chelsea's socks for the game after an odd kit mix-up caused a 30-minute delay to the game. Just 32 minutes into the clash, they were three goals behind as reigning WSL champions Chelsea looked a cut above their London rivals.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea were top of the WSL heading into the game, sitting ahead of Manchester City on goal difference. Arsenal, meanwhile, sat third in the table and three points adrift of the top two but the Gunners will have to pull off an incredible comeback if they are to stop Emma Hayes from going further ahead at the table's summit.