Fan favourite Cuthbert celebrated putting pen to paper on a contract extension with a stunning goal in front of the Matthew Harding Stand, the second of three goals which secured a victory that takes us top of the table.

Sam Kerr opened the scoring with a low finish, before Cuthbert’s excellent strike doubled our advantage in front of a brilliant home crowd. Lauren James showed persistence to win a penalty that was expertly dispatched by Guro Reiten, putting the game beyond reach before the break.

After scoring an early contender for goal of the season, central midfielder Cuthbert discussed what was going through her head when the ball dropped outside the penalty area, knowing hitting the target would lead to an opportunity.

‘There was nothing else in my mind. I was laser-focused to shoot and keep it on target. When the ball is dropping, it bounced and came up, it’s so easy to send it over the stand. I tried to get my head over it and keep it on target.

‘I know I’ve got a reasonably powerful shot so if I get it on target, you certainly give yourself a chance. There were a lot of bodies there so I knew if the goalkeeper was going to parry it, there would have been a second phase opportunity.’

This isn’t the first spectacular goal that the Scotland international has scored. Cuthbert is determined to contribute a variety of goals and having just committed her future to the club, she described her strong mutual connection with the club and the supporters.

‘People say I only score bangers, I want to score tap-ins as well, I want to be known as a goalscorer! It certainly rates up there. In the week that I’ve signed a contract, it’s really special. Chelsea has a history and I know what it means to be at Chelsea, I’ve been here a long time.

‘To top one off at the Bridge in the same week as my contract renewal is certainly something special. It means so much with all the fans here as well.’

There has been a transition process and significant development for Cuthbert, who has established herself in central midfield superbly. This evolution has taken time, but the results are remarkable and Cuthbert knows she has found herself in the best position to reach her full potential.

‘Last December during the season, I got thrown in there and didn’t really have a lot of time to work on it. This pre-season, it’s actually been a blessing the Euros happening for me. I had a lot of one-to-one time during pre-season to solidify and nail down that position, and get to know the ins and outs of it. When we went on the pre-season tour, it was really good.

‘I’m finally glad the time has come, it was a big reason in the contract renewal. I wanted to be a midfielder. I know that I’m best in midfield. You know as a player where you feel most comfortable, where you feel best and I feel that midfield is my home and I want to prove that to everybody.’

In a week of personal highlights, there has also been reason for collective optimism as the club welcomed manager Emma Hayes back to work. Cuthbert spent a short time with Hayes ahead of Tottenham, but says she has returned with real enthusiasm.

‘I’ve only had two days with her. The internationals meant a crazy turnaround, we had Friday and Saturday training and that was it. You hear her voice again and it’s a bit unfamiliar to begin with because she’s been away for a while. Her staff have picked up a tremendous amount of slack since her absence and they’ve been great.

‘She’s really happy, she’s got a renewed bit of life and energy about her. She’s come back really determined and it’s like anything. If you’re a football player and you get injured, you go away from the game and you realise how much you appreciate it, how much you love it and how much you want to be back. It’s the same for Emma.’