Following an emphatic 9-0 victory away to Leicester City last weekend, the Blues leapfrogged Arsenal to top the Barclays FA Women’s Super League for the first time this season.

Now, with five league games remaining, Nouwen has spoken of the importance of the Chelsea fans in the stands.

‘The fans are really important. They give you the extra energy it’s just nice to have their support, it really does help us a lot.’

Our No.3 netted her first WSL goal against Leicester on Sunday when we triumphed against the Foxes at the King Power. Nouwen also scored her first-ever Chelsea goal against Lydia Bedford’s side just a few weeks before in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.

Speaking on her strike, Nouwen added: ‘It felt really good, in the league it was my first goal but against Leicester in the FA Cup I scored my first Chelsea goal, so to score again it was a really nice feeling!’

Nouwen was on hand to tap in from close range following a powerful Bethany England strike.

‘It happened really quick, it was just a little flick, touch and it went in. It was just reflex, it was good that I touched it otherwise it wouldn’t have gone in!’

The Dutch international added how the Leicester game could prove pivotal in the title race, with the Blues gaining extra confidence and momentum heading into the remaining fixtures.

‘We played a really good game, 10-12 minutes in and you’re 4-0 up! It’s a nice game to play because you’re confident, you just play free! We saw a lot of nice goals coming out of that as well.

‘It’s given us a lot of confidence. That’s where we want to be [top of the table] and that’s what we’re playing for, so now we’re there we want to stay there. It gives us a boost to stay top of the league.’

When asked what she expects on the challenge Reading will present this evening, Nouwen explained: ‘As a lot of teams do, they go really low and quite defensive. but I think we just have to play our own game and try to go through their defence.

‘I hope that we’re going to score a few goals again!’

The Blues are unbeaten in the league this side of Christmas, winning six of our eight WSL games since January.

When asked what the reasoning is behind this fine run of form, Nouwen detailed: ‘We’re doing it as a team. Everyone is a part of it and we’re doing it with all of us, I think that’s the most important thing.’

Tonight’s game against Reading kicks off at 6.45pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting from 6.30pm. All the latest news will also be available on our social pages @ChelseaFCW.

Supporters will be able to purchase tickets to tonight’s game from the ticket office at Kingsmeadow