The Blues moved to the top of the Women's Super League with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Sandy Baltimore's stunning strike proving decisive against our title rivals.

Kaptein felt the result was a reward for the team's togetherness and determination, particularly after a difficult opening 20 minutes in which Chelsea took time to find our rhythm.

'It was a really important game for us,' the midfielder said. 'We wanted to show what we can do. The first 20 minutes were a bit hard and we struggled a little, but we grew into the game more and more.

'We stuck together and that was the most important thing. We saw a real team fighting for each other and I think that is why we got the win.'

Kaptein also highlighted the impact of the players who came into the team during the first half, with Veerle Buurman and Aggie Beever-Jones both impressing after being introduced from the bench.

Asked whether the early substitutions altered the team's approach, Kaptein praised the energy and mentality of those who came on.

'To be honest, I don't think it really changed anything, as the players who came in made a real difference. They brought a lot of energy to the team. Even if they didn't start, their mentality was really good. When they came in, they were ready.

'You saw Veerle's [incredible] performance, of course, and I think Aggie Beever-Jones' performance was also really incredible. She always asks for the ball and, as a midfielder, it is really nice that we can always play into her. So, yeah, really important.'

Kaptein also praised Baltimore's match-winning contribution, describing the importance of breaking the deadlock after Chelsea had taken time to settle.

'The first 15 or 20 minutes we were struggling a little and then we grew into the game and came into our own strength. And Sandy, what a finish. It is her strength, what she can do outside of the box, so that was really important.'

With Chelsea now top of the WSL, Kaptein knows the victory can provide a boost, but stressed the significance of approaching the campaign one match at a time.

'It is, of course, really important, but it is still early in the season and we need to keep winning our games. The other matches are just as important as the game we had today, so we need to keep looking at it game by game.

'We won a really important game, and one that is really good for the Chelsea fans, which is why we also wanted to win.'

The immediate focus is now on Wednesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, with Kaptein underlining the need for the squad to recover and prepare for another important test.

'We won this game, but it is still early in the season, so it is really important to look ahead to the next game now.

'We have PSG on Wednesday and that is just as important as the game today. We need to recover as a team and be ready for the next game.'