The Blues head coach was able to include Maika Hamano as one of seven changes to the starting line-up following the Champions League win over Manchester City. The Japan international responded in the best possible way, not only scoring the opener but also putting in 67 minutes of hard graft for the team.

Hamano contributed five crosses and four key passes at the top end of the pitch, and battled defensively to win two clearances, three tackles and an interception in just over an hour.

Having been an unused substitute in that 3-0 comeback win against Man City, Hamano showed exactly the right attitude when picked to start in the WSL clash with West Ham.

‘This is what I expect from my players,’ Bompastor said. ‘Even if I know they all want to start every single game when, reflecting on this block and eight games in 28 days, I think you need to have depth in your squad and you need to make your players understand it's not possible for them to start every single game because we need to have a smart approach with the rotation and the quality we have in the squad.'

‘So it's a good thing for them to be frustrated not to start games, but I think they also need to reflect on the bigger picture.

'I think the way Maika performed today showed her quality, first of all, but I knew that from before. I know any time I need to start her, she will respond positively, which is a good thing.’