The defending champions are searching for a sixth successive WSL title this season and a primary with out Hayes.
There was a brand new look to Kingsmeadow because the previous banners and flags displaying Hayes’ face on have been switched to new ones celebrating Bompastor.
“Vive La Revolution” have been the phrases that accompanied Bompastor’s face and the Chelsea badge on the principle banner behind Hannah Hampton’s objective within the first half.
She was applauded onto the pitch throughout the warm-ups and a roar erupted when the stadium announcer learn out Bompastor’s identify to the group earlier than kick-off.
“It was actually good to be at residence and to really feel the followers near the group,” she stated afterwards.
“It was a extremely particular evening, particularly with all of the flags. I simply noticed with my face on them! It was pretty.
“I felt a heat welcome and I’ll do my finest to make the followers completely satisfied.”
The message was clear: this recreation was about profitable.
When requested what she would take away from it at full-time, Bompastor smiled as her seven-year previous son sat subsequent to her within the press convention room and answered: “I’ll take away the win and the three factors for positive!”
There’s work to be completed. They have been pushed arduous by a really spectacular Aston Villa aspect below new administration of their very own they usually nearly conceded late on.
Two essential saves from Hampton denied Rachel Daly and opposition goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo a dramatic equaliser.
However profitable is in Chelsea’s DNA and it was essential they confirmed this early on below Bompastor.
“They did what they needed to do to get the win,” stated former England midfielder Fara Williams on BBC Two.
“They did not put away the end result like we’re used to seeing them do. They made a number of possibilities, acquired the objective and within the second half Aston Villa put them on the again foot.
“However Chelsea confirmed they might endure and grind out a end result. For a gap recreation, this result’s good. They’ve three factors on the board and might transfer ahead.”
