Mighty mouse Fran Kirby is on a mission. The Chelsea star, who stands a mere 5ft 2in (including studs) is playing like a woman possessed... determined to make up for the months lost to the medical condition that threatened her career.
It was she, rather than the lofty Birmingham defenders, who soared like a Bonfire Night rocket to connect with Erin Cuthbert's joyously pinpointed free kick and net the only goal to keep the Blues in touch near the top of the Women's Super League.
And it is Chelsea's No14 – one of the most intense, focused deep-thinkers of the squad – who is likely to be manager Emma Hayes' most pivotal player of the season after captain and confidante Magda Eriksson.
That the Blues ground out a 1-0 victory at sodden Damson Park last weekend shows that life isn't just going to be walkover wins this season, and underlines the importance of clean sheets.
"It was a good result and an all-round good performance," said Hayes, who now has the little matter of Man City's visit this weekend in, effectively, an early-season six-pointer.
Once again, Kirby, 27, will play a part. The win at Birmingham meant she'd started the first five of the Blues' matches this season – something unthinkable a year ago as she battled the energy-sapping pericarditis infection.
"I'm delighted for Fran getting the goal, especially in the air," said Hayes. "She gives everything to the side, no matter what I ask her to do, and she's played a key part in the season's start for us."
If the Blues can contain City's glamour squad, and if Kirby is at her impish best, Chelsea could top the WSL table on Monday.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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