We have kept a clean sheet in our last three matches and only conceded three goals in our opening seven games of the season in all competitions.

And while this side has always possessed the technical skill to dominate matches, Walsh thinks the difference-maker this season has been the team’s work rate and willingness to fight for each other.

‘It’s great to win any game, even if it wasn't Arsenal,’ the midfielder explained. ‘But they're a top team, and it made it a little bit more special that it was a home derby.

‘It was difficult for us, but we controlled the game for large parts of it. Then at the end, when it came to managing the game a little bit – because they were throwing loads of attackers on – defending our box and keeping a clean sheet was really important.

‘It was probably the best we've built up [this season]. We were really comfortable on the ball when we had it, especially after the first 20 minutes. We really settled down and grew into the game.

‘Probably it would’ve been better to start the game a little bit quicker. Last season maybe Arsenal probably would've scored then and it could’ve been 2-0 or 3-0. That's probably the difference this year, and I think we've got both sides to our game now.

‘We can control the ball, and we are also a lot more difficult to beat,' added Walsh. 'We're really tight defending our box now. Obviously, we know we can play with the ball, but maybe we can outwork and outfight teams. That's been something else we’ve been doing as well, and that really helped.

‘We do it as a team rather than individuals, and this year, we know we've got each other's backs. We're working for each other. If a ball goes past me, I know Lex (Lexi Potter) is there clearing up. We all work together and that's probably been the most important so far this season.’

Walsh and Potter have formed quite the duo in midfield this season. Head coach Sonia Bompastor showed her faith in the young Chelsea Academy graduate by handing her a starting berth in the London derby alongside her vastly more experienced counterpart.

There may be a mismatch in terms of minutes played, but as Walsh explained, Potter is fitting in perfectly in the first team and has a bright future ahead of her.

‘Lexi is really intelligent,’ Walsh said. ‘She makes me feel really comfortable when I'm playing next to her. The way she sees the game, there aren't many female players who understand it the way she does.

‘She's an exceptional talent, and she plays beyond her years. She's got a very calm head on her shoulders, and she's got a lot more to come, I think. She’s going to be an incredible player for Chelsea and England in the future.’

Walsh chose to single out another of her team-mates in her post-match comments, praising Katie McCabe for the contribution she has made to the side on and off the pitch since her summer transfer from cross-city rivals Arsenal.

Another player may have shrunk under the pressure of facing her former side, especially in the face of a largely hostile reception from the contingent of visiting supporters at Stamford Bridge. Yet McCabe stood tall and delivered another outstanding performance in blue, and it didn't go unnoticed.

'I think Katie coming to us has added an extra edge, and her physicality and mentality really ramp it up,' said Walsh. 'Every time she does a little team talk, we play quite well, so hopefully that continues. She's fitted in really well.

'I'm not surprised she handled the atmosphere, to be honest. That's the sort of player she is. She works hard every day; she wants to win every single part of every training session. I think we needed that a little bit more last year, and she's definitely brought that. I’ve enjoyed every minute playing with her.

'She's really smart; she’s got a great left foot as well, so she's brought a massive part to our team. She's just so passionate about the game and you can really feel it when she's speaking. It gets the players going and definitely gets me going, so it’s great if she keeps doing it.'