Not only have Chelsea cruised through to the semi-final stage of the Women's Champions League, beating their nemesis Wolfsburg 5-1 on aggregate, but a new star has emerged in the shape of stand-in right back Jess Carter.
While the 'Special K' partnership of Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby were supplying the goals as usual up front against the Blues' German former tormentors in a 3-0 second-leg win in Budapest, Carter – making only her third start of the season – was the star of the back line.
With Maren Mjelde out injured long-term, and Naimh Charles (Emma Hayes' preferred deputy in the position) suspended, Carter got the nod... and impressed with her maturity, unflappability and breezy self-confidence.
The fact that she worked so well with goalie Ann-Katrin Berger is less surprising – the two have been in a relationship for some time and have developed a professional footballing instinct too.
Not only did Carter make some key defensive interceptions, but she has also taken on Charles' mantle as long-throw specialist; a weapon which began the move which led to Kerr being felled for a 27th minute penalty, converted by former Wolfsburg star Pernille Harder.
Goals in open play for Kerr and Kirby brought their scoring partnership tally to 39 this season, and stands Chelsea in good stead as they face a two-leg semi-final against Bayern this month.
"I'm such a proud captain today; what a performance from the girls," said Magda Eriksson.
With a German keeper and German midfielder in their side, and other players with league experience in Germany, Chelsea will approach the matches with belief and enthusiasm.
A year ago that might have read 'hope and hesitancy', but Hayes has built her squad up physically, mentally and tactically, and nothing is too daunting any longer.
Wolfsburg defeated Chelsea eight times on previous occasions. It is a measure of how far the Blues have advanced in the past 18 months that past defeats now seem from a different era.
Before everyone gets carried away there's the pressing matter of Women's Super League action on Easter Sunday, when Birmingham City visit Kingsmeadow.
Charles will be back in action at right back, but Carter's European performance means she may still play some part in the match, possibly in right midfield.
"I say to Jess that you have to train each day like it's your last," said Hayes. "You have to put everything into being a top professional, even when you don't get the minutes. In this game she got the reward for that."
Bravo, Jess. At 23 there's a long, glittering career potentially ahead for the Blues' No7 who began her career as a 16-year-old with Chelsea's weekend opponents.
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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