Two months later, the Australia international had her first goal in her new colours, scoring in a 2-0 victory against London City Lionesses, again at Stamford Bridge. Carpenter opened her account for the Blues when she popped up at the far post to convert from a Sandy Baltimore cross, the two wing-backs combining in perfect symphony.

And in November, Carpenter was awarded Goal of the Month by Chelsea fans for her outrageous strike in our 1-1 draw with Champions League rivals Barcelona, one that will live long in the memory for those that were present at the Bridge that evening.

Now with a whole season under her belt at Chelsea, Carpenter took the time to sit down with us to reflect on her first year. The standout topic of discussion was how much she loves running out at Stamford Bridge, and how delighted she is to have the chance to play all of our Women’s Super League matches there in 2026/27.

‘I think it's amazing,’ she beams. ‘That's what we should be doing in terms of playing all our home games there. I think we play better at Stamford Bridge. It’s a bigger pitch, and it just creates more of an atmosphere and a good vibe for the game.

‘Every match in the WSL is a big game. I think anyone can beat anyone on any day. So, to have the best conditions and to play on that pitch in front of our fans will give us a good boost for sure. Hopefully, we can attract more people to Stamford Bridge for all our home games there.’

Anyone who has paid attention to behind-the-scenes content from our season will have seen Carpenter has fitted in as seamlessly off the pitch at Chelsea as she has on it.

Quickly forging strong friendships within the playing group, the wing-back lifts the atmosphere with her sense of fun and lively personality. While she acknowledges that last season didn’t prove to be as fruitful as hoped, she is looking at the positives before beginning again later this summer.

‘It's been good because we had a season where we could create the relationships and partnerships on the pitch with new signings like me coming into the team at the beginning of last season,’ she continued.

‘It was great to win the League Cup trophy, but overall, it’s disappointing that we didn't achieve what we wanted to. We’re a winning club, with a winning mentality, so that hurts a little bit. But we can also take a lot of positives from it too. We know what we need to work on and improve for next season.

‘The end of the season is a good time to reflect on the campaign in terms of what we can do better and what we're working with for next season.

‘There’s been some transition in the squad, people leaving, and there will potentially be new signings coming in. For us, we're just going to come together in pre-season, set out our goals and hopefully build from there.

For now, Carpenter’s thoughts turn to having a well-earned rest. Last season saw her make 29 appearances for Chelsea and also reach the final of the month-long Asian Cup with the Matildas in March.

She’s only 26, but she already has a lot of football under her belt, having made her senior debut for Australia at the age of 15.

‘For me personally, it was a good season for me to build on next year,’ Carpenter explains. ‘Now I know what being at Chelsea is all about, and I understand the English league and the cups and everything.

‘It's one of the first clear off-seasons I've ever had in my career. I'm definitely looking forward to it. It'll be nice to recharge and have some time off, refresh and then get ready for next season.

‘I’m going to enjoy time with family and friends. I’m going back to Australia for a little bit after the season, and then I’ll probably be back to enjoy some European summer as well.

‘I’m really looking forward to next season.’

With much more of Ellie Carpenter at Stamford Bridge still to come, we are really looking forward to it, too.

Never miss a moment of Ellie Carpenter at Stamford Bridge by securing your 26/27 Barclays WSL season ticket. Get yours now!