Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Roma in the Women's Champions League was yet another demonstration they can win in different ways. Sonia Bompastor's side disappointed last season when they lost their Women's Super League and FA Cup crowns, while rivals Arsenal handed them an exit from Europe at the quarter-final stage. That followed a dream unbeaten season in which the Blues wrapped up a domestic treble in Bompastor's first year in charge.
Having previously won six successive WSL titles, a blip was inevitable and their transition period highlighted flaws in the new era under their French boss. There was still optimism in this campaign and, while Bompastor expected it would take more time, Chelsea have started impressively. They are unbeaten in all competitions, top of the Women's Super League with Manchester City after seven games, and have won two and drawn one of their opening three Champions League phase matches.
"I'm really pleased with the results for sure, but not only the results, I think the different performances," said Bompastor earlier this week. "Right now, the way we are performing gives us a really good advantage and a big chance to win games." Find interviews and extra content on the BBC Women's Football Weekly feed Their 2-0 victory over Roma on Wednesday was well deserved. A flurry of chances were squandered in a dominant first half before substitute Ellie Carpenter broke the deadlock after 51 minutes.
Chelsea made sure of victory when defender Kadeisha Buchanan nodded in their second just before the end. "I'm really pleased with the solid performances in terms of the defensive aspects. We have played three games and we haven't conceded," added Bompastor.
"When you want to go far in competitions, it's good to have this solid base. With the quality we have in the team, I'm confident we will always create opportunities." She admitted the Champions League was "a different level" to what they had already overcome in the WSL and Bompastor has rotated her squad effectively to cope in both competitions. They seem to have sorted out their defensive leaks that were so evident last season and look more clinical going forward.
Full-back Carpenter has four goals in all competitions, England forward Lauren James is in scintillating form and young midfielder Lexi Potter is developing a flourishing partnership with Lionesses star Keira Walsh. They look unpredictable, being able to adapt shape in a back three or a back four, and can go direct with the aid of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's distribution. They had to grind out their win over Roma in a way that former boss Emma Hayes' sides used to do - proof in itself they have learned from the previous campaign.
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