In the first of two meetings between Chelsea and Arsenal in two separate cup competitions over the course of a week, it was Emma Hayes' side who triumphed first.
The London clubs faced off at Kingsmeadow in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday before they play each other again this weekend in the Conti Cup final at Selhurst Park. Goals from Sophie Ingle and Sam Kerr secured the win for the Blues to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Arsenal's record in the FA Cup speaks for itself; their dominance over the years has seen them win the competition 14 times, but it was Chelsea who displayed the mentality of champions on this occasion. In light of the challenges posed by the recent international break, it was a clinical and composed display from the home side.
READ MORE: Chelsea Women player ratings as Blues show their quality in FA Cup win over Arsenal
The Gunners had the opportunity to take the lead in the first half; efforts from Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius both went begging. Instead, some clever build-up play from Lauren James, who is in scintillating form at the moment, saw her set up Ingle for the opener.
After the break, on her 100th appearance in Blue, Kerr buried an effort to double Chelsea's advantage and ensure they continue the fight on all four fronts. Despite the recent international break presenting challenges for both teams, with players returning much later in the week than normal, the current WSL champions showed exactly why they continue to be successful.
"Both have the exact same challenges to play a game so close to an international break where both sets of players return later than they normally do," Chelsea boss Hayes told the media post-match. “Sometimes they come home on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, this time it was Thursday and Friday.
"Well done to the players because that is a bit of a slog. That then dictates the type of game it’s going to be.
"We made the right adaptations today and I think we have a mentality of champions, to do that, despite being tired, is why I think we've competed for titles. I thought so many of our players had really solid performances today, the focus is there. I've got an amazing dressing room."
The quarter-final draw will take place on Monday evening with Birmingham City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Lewes, Reading, Brighton and Manchester City all still in contention. Chelsea's attention, however, shifts to the Conti Cup final against Arsenal this weekend.
Hayes' side may have landed the first blow, but they will once again need to channel that winning mentality if they're to reclaim the League Cup title after losing out to Man City in the final last season. Victory on Sunday could see Chelsea clinch their third trophy in the competition in four years.
Elsewhere, the Blues are currently second in the WSL table as they continue their bid to retain the league title. As things stand, they're one point adrift leaders Man United with a game in hand.
In Europe, Chelsea will take on current Champions League holders Lyon in the quarter-finals in March. As they continue to go from strength to strength under Hayes, they've overcome the latest hurdle in the quest for all four trophies.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea host Arsenal in FA Cup fifth round as James earmarked for big match
- Beth Mead delivers promising England injury update for Women's World Cup with added inspiration
Arsenal complete raid for former Leicester City coach Lydia Bedford
England player ratings as Lionesses retain Arnold Clark Cup as Chloe Kelly shines
