Chelsea manager Emma Hayes checks out the stadium WSL West Ham United Women v Chelsea Women, Rush Green Stadium, London, UK - 27 Oct 2019 Photo: Chloe Knott for The FA

‘It’s not about where you begin, it’s about where you end up’ – Hayes reflects on Chelsea win

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says that her side are taking things game-by-game this season and they will not be getting carried away following this afternoon’s 4-0 victory over Everton.

The Blues were subjected to their first away defeat in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League in five years last weekend at the hands of Arsenal. Manager Hayes would have been looking for a response from her players today and they certainly gave her that.

Chelsea welcomed an Everton side to Kingsmeadow who were also looking to bounce back from a difficult opening day when they came unstuck against Manchester City and were ultimately beaten 4-0. History repeated itself this afternoon as Hayes’ team replicated the scoreline and returned to winning ways, however, for The Blues boss, the victory could have been even greater.

“I thought 1-0 wasn’t a fair reflection of the first half, we should’ve been more clinical;” Hayes said in the post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present. “We’re just getting going, so it’s three points and we’re really happy about it.”

Chelsea sealed those three points with goals from Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr (two) and Beth England who got on the scoresheet with her first touch just two minutes after being introduced into the game. As a result, Hayes was full of praise for her attacking players.

She said “I’m so delighted for Beth England to come into the game and get her first goal, she worked so hard in the off-season.

“She’s back in the England squad, she’s an invaluable part of this squad but equally, I’m delighted for Sam and Fran to get to open up (their accounts) for the season.”

Chelsea needed a strong performance following that defeat last weekend at the hands of Arsenal. So what impact did that result have on Hayes’ preparation for today’s fixture?

“Zero, there was no impact on us, we go game-by-game;” said Hayes. “I knew that would be a tough opening fixture considering Arsenal had more games under their belt but it’s not about where you begin, it’s about where you end up.

“I don’t panic, I don’t stress about things. I don’t get too high with a win and I don’t get too low with a loss. Arsenal won last week, well done. It’s about winning the league.”

Wherever Chelsea find themselves at the end of the season, today was certainly a statement victory that if anyone even considered it, they are not to be taken lightly. Despite last weekend’s result, Chelsea have demonstrated their fire power and strength-in-depth that will cause any team problems and under Hayes they have the fortitude to sustain those levels for the length of the season.

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