First-half goals from Pernille Harder and Lauren James ensured victory over our Women’s Super League rivals in front of nearly 2400 fans at a sunny Kingsmeadow.

New signings Eve Perisset and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd both impressed and were part of a strong starting line-up that all completed the full 90 minutes, much to the head coach’s delight. 

Hayes said the progress made this summer means she is relishing the mouthwatering prospect of beginning our WSL title defence with a London derby against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 11 September.

‘It was a good day. Everyone played 90 minutes,’ she said. ‘We had a group who played in the morning for 90 minutes and the group here really, really needed it.

‘It’s been a good, short pre-season. It was a good trip [two-game tour of America] and it was great to come back to Kingsmeadow and see the fans. Overall we are ready for the start of the season.’

Perisset and Rytting Kaneryd are two of six summer arrivals, joining Jelena Cankovic, Kadeisha Buchanan, Katerina Svitkova and Lucy Watson.

Hayes cannot wait for the new-look Blues to get the campaign underway in what she hopes will be a full house at Stamford Bridge. 

‘I am so excited,’ she added, ‘I really hope the place is packed - no pressure! -  because I want the fans to enjoy this team as much as I do.

‘The new signings have all settled. That’s the important thing. We have to be patient with all of them.

‘The players that have been here the longest drive the standards and the players coming into the club have all been well received. They have all done everything they can to fit into our way of playing.’

Although pleased with progress as we build up to the season, Hayes said some fine-tuning is still in order. 

‘There were some really good things in the first half; things we have been working on,’ she said.

‘Second half, I thought we dropped our standards - physically maybe because of the heat and the stage of the season for some of them.

‘Our movement left a lot to be desired but I thought the last part of the game we managed really well. I’m really happy for the team, not just for the win but for everybody’s 90 minutes so close to the start of the season.‘

Hayes said it was also wonderful to be back in front of the supporters.

‘It’s always amazing to see the fans and nice to see new fans too - I felt they were out,’ she added. ‘It was good to hear the songs and good to hear the reception the players got. It was a really good workout.

‘Now we just have to get ready and make sure everybody is pushing to be in the starting line-up.

‘Every week is going to be so difficult for me to pick a team because every one of these players deserves to start.’

We begin our WSL title defence against West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 11 September when we will also be celebrating Chelsea Women’s 30-year anniversary and 10 years under Emma Hayes. Tickets start from £2 for juniors and £9 for adults and are available to be purchased on our website here.