We enter our final league match of the calendar year with a three-point lead at the top of the table, having put together an impressive run of eight consecutive victories in the WSL since September.

After the 8-0 win over Leicester City last weekend, we were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in midweek. Guro Reiten’s penalty, which went down as a goalkeeper own goal, cancelled out Caroline Weir’s 36th-minute opener.

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A quick turnaround left just one full day to prepare for the visit of Reading, who Kirby knows extremely well having plied her trade with the Royals before leaving to join the Blues back in 2015. Now a European champion, the Lionesses star has not forgotten where she came from.

‘I joined the club really young so it’s a lot of happy memories of my footballing time growing up. I worked with some amazing coaches while I was there, not just amazing coaches but amazing people. They really helped develop me.

‘They gave me my first professional contract, they gave me an opportunity to train in the boys' academy to try to improve and be part of that full-time regime. I owe a lot to the club, the people who were there in order to be where I am now, to be as successful in a successful team.’

Our opponents endured a rocky start to the campaign but produced a thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool before defeating Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Kirby praised their determination, tenacity and spirit ahead of a reunion with her former club this weekend.

‘Reading is always a tough team. They always work hard. They have great people behind the scenes, working out what the best way is to play against opponents. They have quality players, a few of them I used to play with, so I know what they are about. Reading is a club people really get passionately behind and want to do well for.

‘They had their poor run of form at the beginning, but you always know with Reading they’re going to pull it back. They’re grafters, they’re not going to give up, they fight for everything and that’s what we’re going to see on the weekend. A team who are going to fight for every ball, fight for every decision and that’s how it’s always been when we’ve played against Reading.’

As we approach the final weeks of 2022, there is a lot to reflect on for players, staff and supporters alike. Kirby knows the value in finishing the year on a high note and hopes we can go into the Christmas break top of the tree.

‘We know that in this league you have to win as many games as possible, dropping points is not the best you can do with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all breathing down our necks. It’s really important we get the three points. For us, it’s important we focus on each game as it comes, not focusing on a really good run of form.

‘We have to keep playing well, we have to keep doing the right things and getting three points. It’s a really exciting time to be at the club with the success we’re having. Our performances are improving every game and hopefully we can finish before Christmas in a good spot at the top.’

With the festivities just around the corner and a new year on the horizon, Kirby spoke directly to the fans to express her gratitude for the continued dedication they show to the team, hoping to see increasing crowds and more games at Stamford Bridge in 2023.

‘Thank you all for your support in the first half of the season. It’s been incredible and it’s been amazing to see so many people come down and watch us play. Hopefully in the New Year we can get bums on seats, get more people coming down to Kingsmeadow and a few more games at Stamford Bridge.’