Harder had barely been on the pitch a couple of minutes when she swept in Guro Reiten’s low cross to make it 3-0 against Everton Women at Kingsmeadow. She then got an assist for Jessie Fleming, and Harder made it 6-0 with her second of the game, another fine finish this time from an Erin Cuthbert cross.

‘We started a bit slow but then we got the first goal and we just kept going,’ Harder analysed afterwards.

‘We had some great finishing. I’m really pleased. It’s really important to get that first goal. As long as the opponent can defend a long time without us scoring then they get their hopes up. When we get a goal fast, and then one more and one more, then we close the game quite fast.’

One of the biggest cheers of the night was reserved for Harder’s earlier-than-planned introduction on the half-hour.

The Dane came on for Sam Kerr, who was cramping up after overnight illness. She showcased not only her outstanding technical ability, which earned her the Player of the Match award, but also proved her fitness after such a long spell out with a serious hamstring injury.

‘Every time I have come on they’ve been amazing, cheering for me,’ beamed Pernille.

‘When I got my comeback at Stamford Bridge it was unbelievable. It makes me proud they want to cheer me in that way. Amazing fans.’

Harder also looked forward to the final four fixtures of the season. The WSL title is still in our hands but there is still plenty of work to do if we are to retain our crown.

‘We take one game at a time,’ she stressed.

‘We have to win all the games we are playing, so it’s important we are totally fresh for every single game and that we give everything. Then I’m sure we can win it.’