Sonia Bompastor’s extraordinary start to life in the WSL continued with a 1-0 defeat of Manchester United at Kingsmeadow. It was Chelsea’s eighth win in eight league games and opened up a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City at the top of the WSL. Scarily, this form is coming at the beginning of the French manager’s tenure, when they should be in transition, while the players are still getting to know the former Lyon manager and her style of play.

It was a tale of two managers at Kingsmeadow, both unbeaten, one being applauded and one decidedly under pressure. After three full seasons in charge at United, Marc Skinner’s position is under almost constant scrutiny. A first defeat added to three draws puts them fifth in the league and the small “Skinner out” signs remain ever present, with fans latching on to the subtle disquiet of every recently departed player in interviews.