Two managers tasted their first experience of Women’s Super League action on Friday and only one came out with a victory – but both made statements.
Chelsea’s new era kicked off under manager Sonia Bompastor – the woman responsible for picking up the mantle left by the legendary Emma Hayes – and it was the perfect start as they recorded a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
With expectation to deliver and a legacy of winning to maintain, Bompastor could not have hoped for anything more than victory.
Now, having tasted it, she will only want more.
“It is always important to start with a win, especially in the first game at Kingsmeadow with the fans at our home,” said the Frenchwoman.
“This win will bring some more confidence for the players and the team.”
‘I just saw my face on the flags’
The defending champions are seeking a sixth successive WSL title this season and a first without Hayes.
There was a new look to Kingsmeadow as the old banners and flags displaying Hayes’ face on were switched to new ones celebrating Bompastor.
“Vive La Revolution” were the words that accompanied Bompastor’s face and the Chelsea badge on the main banner behind Hannah Hampton’s goal in the first half.
She was applauded onto the pitch during the warm-ups and a roar erupted when the stadium announcer read out Bompastor’s name to the crowd before kick-off.
“It was really good to be at home and to feel the fans close to the team,” she said afterwards.
“It was a really special night, especially with all the flags. I just saw with my face on them! It was lovely.
“I felt a warm welcome and I will do my best to make the fans happy.”
The message was clear: this game was about winning.
When asked what she would take away from it at full-time, Bompastor smiled as her seven-year old son sat next to her in the press conference room and answered: “I will take away the win and the three points for sure!”
There is work to be done. They were pushed hard by a very impressive Aston Villa side under new management of their own and they almost conceded late on.
Two crucial saves from Hampton denied Rachel Daly and opposition goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo a dramatic equaliser.
But winning is in Chelsea’s DNA and it was important they showed this early on under Bompastor.
“They did what they had to do to get the win,” said former England midfielder Fara Williams on BBC Two.
“They didn’t put away the result like we are used to seeing them do. They made lots of chances, got the goal and in the second half Aston Villa put them on the back foot.
“But Chelsea showed they could suffer and grind out a result. For an opening game, this result is perfect. They have three points on the board and can move forward.”
‘It says something about the power we have’
While Bompastor’s statement was delivering victory, Aston Villa manager Robert de Pauw’s was delivering a performance.
His side demonstrated why they are confident of securing a top-six spot in the table this season.
With numerous fresh faces introduced and a different style ingrained into them by De Pauw, Villa made Chelsea work hard for victory.
Midfielder Missy Bo Kearns was impressive, Chasity Grant was dangerous on the right wing, Paula Tomas was a bundle of energy, and Katie Robinson was threatening when she came on as a second-half substitute.
The debutants had made their mark and so had De Pauw.
The only question left unanswered for Villa, was how they had not managed to get something from the game.
“We will probably ask ourselves that for a long time this season. If you can force the champions in this way, it says something about the power we have,” said De Pauw.
“There is still a lot of growth still possible for this team. In the end, there were some chances in the first half and second half. The goal counts. It’s a cliche, but it’s true.
“I hope the players are disappointed. If you use that disappointment and turn it around, it gives a lot of fire for the next game.
“I hope the fans will turn up big at Villa Park and if the players use that fuel for the next game then it can make an even better one.”