We began the defence of our WSL title with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge where Charles, who has played every minute for the Blues so far this season, assisted both goals from Mia Fishel and Lauren James and was a constant threat from the left-back position.

The 24-year-old retained her place for the visit to Manchester City last weekend, which ended all square, and once again looked dangerous down the left side while showing impressive defensive discipline on a challenging afternoon.

Versatility is one of many traits Charles has developed during her time at Chelsea, and full-back is a position where she feels settled. Two assists against Tottenham showcased her ability to carry out the attacking aspects of the position to good effect.

‘I feel very comfortable at full-back now,' the defender explained. 'I know what’s expected of me, but the way I want to play the role is to be attacking and contributing, whether that’s serving the winger in front of me or putting crosses into the box.

‘I do want to be as involved in the attack as the defence, so it was nice to see that pay off a little bit. But, for sure, wanting more this season.’

During the 2022/23 campaign, Charles registered four goals and although she is reluctant to set specific targets, there is a willingness to contribute further goals and assists with work being put in on the training pitch to achieve this.

‘I don’t like putting numbers on it, but I do want to contribute more to the attack. Whether that’s the goal itself or just feeding those in front of me, which maybe you don’t put a number on.

‘I’ve not put numbers on it, but I want to increase my contribution and I’m working on ways of doing that.’

Our previous meeting with West Ham came on our way to the WSL title back in May. Charles opened the scoring on her 100th appearance for the club as we recorded a 4-0 victory away from home, and the defender is hoping we can replicate that level of performance this evening.

‘The last game we played, which was my 100th for Chelsea, I managed to score and I’ve got really good memories of that game. It was the crunch time in the season, every point and every game mattered, and we were just on a roll of games every three days.

‘That’s when the team really comes together and shows up for each other. Hopefully we can go and put in a good performance on the weekend.’

You can read the full interview with Niamh in the matchday programme, be sure to pick up a copy at Kingsmeadow this evening.