Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor praised her side’s character after a 2-0 victory over Liverpool, while Reds boss Gareth Taylor was left with mixed emotions despite an encouraging display.
Goals from Sjoeke Nüsken and Lauren James secured all three points for Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, as the reigning Barclays Women’s Super League champions responded positively to what Bompastor described as an emotionally challenging week.
Speaking after the match, Bompastor highlighted the togetherness within her squad following recent upheaval behind the scenes.
“Everyone can be proud of everyone in this team, staff and players, This week has been really tough for us in terms of emotions.”
While the hosts had to remain patient before breaking the deadlock, Bompastor felt her side controlled proceedings after the interval.
“I’m really pleased with the result. Every game is really important for us and right now, we are performing well in the basics.
“It took us a while to score the first goal but in the second half, we took control of the game.”
James played a decisive role, assisting Nüsken’s opener before scoring herself. The forward’s performance was particularly notable given it was her first full 90-minute outing in around 10 months.
“It was a good performance from LJ. She helped the team to win the game and scored a great goal. She is trying to get back to her best level and she is doing really well right now. I’m really pleased with how she is playing and how she contributes to the team.
“I think when LJ is performing at this level, she’s one of the first ones you put in your starting XI. That’s important going into the business end of the season to have players with quality, who are performing.”
Bompastor also reserved praise for academy graduate Lexi Potter, who made an impact off the bench.
“I’m not really surprised because I know the quality she has. Sometimes, it’s a bit difficult as a young player because of the depth we have in the squad at Chelsea. You have high competition with all of the other players in that position but she always has the right mentality.
“She always works really hard and I think anytime she has the opportunity, she’s ready to perform.”
On the opposing bench, Liverpool boss Taylor acknowledged Chelsea’s quality but took encouragement from his team’s display.
“Going into this game, we understood the category of game that we put it in. I think United, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea; I think that’s a category where you know that you’re going to have to be really at it to get things right, to get something from the game.
“I thought there were a lot of positives today and I feel better than I did after the Man United game.”
Taylor was disappointed with the manner of the opening goal but felt his side showed progress.
“The message at half-time – we were disappointed to give the goal away because I think that’s on us a little bit.
“For me, it’s disappointing, but I think that’s a mark of progress for us; that you come here and to a team that’s been really dominant here for many, many years and to be disappointed.”
Chelsea now turn their attention to an Adobe Women’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United, while Liverpool prepare for a Merseyside derby against Everton.
Big win for the Blues
Chelsea’s victory felt significant beyond the three points. After a disruptive week off the pitch, the response was controlled, professional and, at key moments, clinical. They were not at their most explosive for long stretches, but they managed the tempo of the game effectively and stepped up when it mattered. The return to full fitness of Lauren James, coupled with the depth available from the bench, underlines why they remain such a formidable force in the title race and in cup competitions.
For Liverpool, the result will sting, but the performance offered tangible encouragement. Taylor’s side showed composure in possession and competed physically, particularly in midfield areas, yet lacked the cutting edge required to trouble a goalkeeper of Hannah Hampton’s calibre consistently. The gap to the division’s elite remains, but it appears narrower than in previous visits to Kingsmeadow. If Liverpool can translate these controlled spells into clearer chances and greater ruthlessness in both boxes, they will feel capable of turning competitive displays into points against the league’s strongest sides.
