The dictionary defines rivalry as competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. This is what it means to Blues defender Ashley Lawrence…

Rivalry is of course a key component to our sport. It is indeed one of many elements that get us – players, coaches and fans alike, hooked. But, each person may approach it differently.

To Lawrence, it has given her a mindset which helps her excel in different situations. And she shared her experience of rivalry with us ahead of our London derby clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

‘I would say wanting to completely dominate,’ Lawrence replies when we ask what the word, broadly speaking, means to her. ‘And taking Arsenal as an example, because we are going to play them soon, we don’t want to just go into it to win it, we want to completely dominate and impose our game.

‘It just adds an extra layer of motivation, passion and all the emotions which go into football. It’s heightened by like one thousand per cent.

‘There is just something about it when you go up against these teams, you just want to completely crush them. It’s the best feeling when you win, but it’s the worst feeling when you lose.’

That feeling of losing against fierce rivals ignited something in Lawrence during her first season playing in France with Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017. The magnitude of that experience has stayed with her in the years that have passed since.

‘When I first started playing in France, it was my first year and we made it to the Champions League final against Lyon,’ the defender explains.

‘Coming so close to winning one of the biggest competitions in football and then losing it on a penalty shootout, that started a real rivalry for me and, historically, it is a big rivalry between the two clubs.

‘Starting my time in France in that way really created something in me that was even deeper than anything else. You become even more motivated. That would have been one of the most standout moments in my career.’

Rivalry has continued to motivate Lawrence. Through a Chelsea lens, it inspires her to become a better version of herself daily.

‘It means giving your all in every possibility,’ the Canadian international says. ‘It’s not only in games. It’s in training because you’re going up against top players and you want to give your best.

‘You want to perform. You want to show yourself in the best light. You want to show that you’re fighting. Really, it is about showing your best self.

‘And, it’s not easy. You’re going up against top players and that can cause good frustration. It forces you to leave your comfort zone and discover things about yourself that you didn’t know before.’

It is not just embracing learnings on the pitch, with Lawrence explaining to us how sporting rivalry has taught her how to approach different situations in her life.

‘I’ve learned how to be resilient or how resilient I can be,’ she says. ‘You don’t really know that until you’re faced with certain situations. It’s something which takes time to develop.

‘And that’s really helped me, not only with football but with life. It’s not a straight and narrow path. You go through a lot and it’s not always easy or simple.

‘I’m really grateful for sport and for football because it has shown me how to navigate my emotions.

‘Sometimes you can be like a little kid, like having a temper tantrum. But, you have to take a moment and think how are you going to respond, how are you going to deal with this? It’s really showing me how I can manage it best so I can come back stronger.’

As a Chelsea player, rivalries don’t come much bigger than the Blues facing Arsenal. It’s a contest Lawrence is revelling to be a part of come Sunday afternoon.

‘It’s definitely historical,’ she explains. ‘Every time the teams play, it’s a physical battle and a technical battle.

‘It’s really small margins to see which team comes out on top. It’s always such a close game and that’s exciting to see the level of football that is being played.

‘When I think about Chelsea against Arsenal, ultimately, I think about the atmosphere. Whether it is at home at Stamford Bridge or away, the passion radiates from the fans onto the field. You see every player wanting to give it their absolute all.’

You can witness one of women's football's biggest rivalries on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Limited tickets remain and can be purchased here!