The Blues secured a huge three points at Stamford Bridge, with Sandy Baltimore's stunning strike on the stroke of half-time moving us above City and into the top spot in the Women's Super League.

However, there was concern for Chelsea as Buchanan was forced off after just 12 minutes, with Veerle Buurman coming on to replace the defender. Malard also had to be withdrawn before half-time, making way for Aggie Beever-Jones in the 35th minute.

Bompastor explained that Buchanan had taken a knock during training on Friday and that she felt the defender was not herself from the beginning of the match.

Sonia explained further: 'With Kadeisha Buchanan, she took a knock in training yesterday on her head, and I just felt from the beginning of the game she was not herself, so probably off the back of what happened in training. I was also almost forced to do that one.'

The Chelsea head coach also confirmed that Malard had felt something in her hamstring, prompting her early withdrawal.

Bompastor added: 'With Melvine, I was forced to do the substitution because she felt her hamstring, so we will assess her tomorrow and see how she is.'