Charles continued her excellent start to the season with a pinpoint delivery for Sam Kerr to head us in front. Erin Cuthbert’s late second put the seal on the win on Saturday evening, and Charles reflected afterwards on a job well done.

‘West Ham started the game really well and they made us work for it,’ acknowledged the 24-year-old.

‘The first goal settled us down a little bit, and then we were able to find our rhythm a little bit more. It was a good win. We had to work hard for it. We’re delighted with the three points.

‘It’s our first clean sheet this season and that’s what you build a winning run off, being hard to break down. We’re delighted with that too.’

Charles was deployed on the left flank by Emma Hayes in a 3-4-3 formation. She racked up 71 touches of the ball in the final third, evidence of her prominent involvement in our build-up play, including for Kerr’s opener. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award afterwards.

Charles noted she has moved between full-back and winger since arriving at Chelsea, with Hayes simply describing her as a ‘wide player’. Charles expanded on the role expected of her in blue.

‘We’ve been working on how the wingers can provide width so our more creative players in the middle can get on the ball and overload,’ she explained.

‘That’s definitely a role I take on and I’m more than happy to do it, doing the running so the more creative players can get on the ball in dangerous areas.

‘I really want to contribute defensively but also when I can in attack. Sam’s been on at me about putting a good ball in the box so it’s so nice when it comes off. If you give her one chance, she is going to bury it, that’s how good she is.

‘Whenever her and Fran come back you really notice it,’ added Charles of the return of Kerr and Kirby in attack.

‘They’re world class. Having that strength in depth and players that can create something out of nothing is really good for us. They’re such intelligent players. Hopefully they can stay fit which will be good for everyone.’