Manchester City have one hand on the Women’s Super League title thanks to a 1-0 victory at Arsenal yesterday afternoon.

Jane Ross’s 50th-minute goal settled a hard-fought contest and kept the visitors seven points clear of closest rivals Chelsea, who were 3-0 winners at Reading.

Ross did not appear to know much about the goal, with England captain Steph Houghton’s free-kick deflecting off her head as she sought to make a nuisance of herself in the Arsenal wall and looping beyond goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal.

Manager Nick Cushing hailed the defensive efforts of his team who have been known for their attacking talent throughout the season.

“I’m really pleased,” he said after. “I thought it was our best defensive performance of the season.

“I was sitting on the ice box [throughout] and I wasn’t worried at all at any point.

“There were some big performances and this team grows every day. I think that showed.

“We’re a team that is known for the way we play but the pressing was good. We sat off, blocked a little bit and we were in control.

“I see them at training every week. We’re comfortable without the ball.

“That’s always the message: get control of the game, and I felt we were.”

City welcome Chelsea to the Academy Stadium in two weeks knowing victory will crown them champion, despite playing a game more than their rivals.

And with the League Cup final and Champions League coming up over the coming weeks, Cushing hopes the professionalism of his side will see them through.

“We have good players and good people and everyone learns and works hard to win games,” he added.

“I want to win the league. If we lose one of the games now, it’s still in our hands Chelsea is the next game.”

Chelsea kept their slim title hopes alive thanks to three second-half goals, two in stoppage time.

Katie Chapman broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute and late efforts from Gemma Davison and Ana Borges added a touch of gloss to the scoreline.

“It was a frustrating first half but I was pleased with our performance because Reading are a stubborn opponent,” said manager Emma Hayes.

“The scoreline may flatter us a little but three points is three points and it takes us closer to the Champions League again.”