The Blues were in complete control throughout our clash with the Toffees as goals from Fran Kirby and Bethany England, either side of a double from Sam Kerr, clinched three points at Kingsmeadow.

Chelsea certainly bounced back in style following our opening day defeat to Arsenal last weekend and Hayes was delighted with her team’s performance.

She said: ‘I always knew Arsenal would be a tough opening fixture considering they had more games under their belt but it’s not about where you begin, it’s about where you end, and we will be competing to win every week.

‘Our build-up play in general was excellent. We worked on things to improve our shape from last weekend.

‘Fair play to the whole team for the clean sheet. We are just getting going. It’s three points and I’m happy about it.’

Kirby, Kerr and Bethany England all opened their accounts for the new campaign and Hayes was pleased to see all her strikers among the goals.

She added: ‘I’m so delighted for Bethany England to come into the game and get her first goal. She worked so hard in the off season, she is back in the England squad and she’s an invaluable part of the squad.

‘Equally, I am delighted for Sam and Fran to open up for the season.’

Guro Reiten and Erin Cuthbert also shone during our emphatic victory, with Cuthbert receiving the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Player of the Match and Hayes believes the duo are benefiting from a full pre-season.

‘Erin has always been a talented player,’ said Hayes. ‘She really needed a pre-season under her belt.

‘Her, Guro Reiten, Jess Carter and Bethany England have all benefitted from a full pre-season without injury. It’s one of the reasons our depth is going to be even bigger this year.

‘Covid was a tricky period last year and the four players who I’ve mentioned probably struggled last year for whatever reason, it was very different for each other.

‘I’m really happy for those girls that they are happy with their performances and their contribution to the team.

‘Guro, Jess, Beth, Erin, they all care about the team and the contributions they are making will go such a long way to what we want to achieve year. Guro is an amazing talent that is finding another level to her game.‘

A host of Blues will now report for international duty before returning to Chelsea ahead of our away fixture at Manchester United on Sunday 26 September.