Hayley Raso and Claire Emslie both scored twice as Everton hammered Aston Villa 6-0 in the Women’s Super League

Willie Kirk’s side had been in superb form coming into the game, having reached the Women’s FA Cup final by overcoming WSL champions Chelsea and two-time Cup winners Birmingham City in the previous week. Raso opened the scoring from close range in the 20th minute, before the Australia international pounced on an error from Lisa Weiss to make it two.

Emslie curled in the third from 20 yards before Valerie Gauvin’s diving header finished off a counter-attack as Everton ran riot.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s cross sailed in after the interval and Emslie added the sixth as Everton went top.

The Toffees are three points clear of Arsenal, who could regain top spot on goal difference if they beat Bristol City on Sunday.