Chelsea Women 3-1 Arsenal: 3 takeaways, James inspires special night at Stamford Bridge

2. This triumph defined the word character, showing the resolve this group possesses

Some would have said they didn't have enough. The depth, especially in the attack was non-existent. The excuses were limitless. Arsenal had an extended rest while the Blues just competed on the road in the FA Cup on Sunday. It was mental toughness to a tee. Hayes' reaction to each goal said it all: this meant a whole lot to the team. Down in numbers, but never out of it on the pitch. The meeting up north hurt this crew, and while it has been hammered with injuries, that was never going to prevent them from giving it everything.

"We were fired up. I have a very good memory of the last game (a three-goal defeat)," the Wee Scot stated. "I know the midfield battle was won by them, and I take that quite personally."

If you were at the Bridge and didn't stay for the post-game, that was a mistake. It was all vibes. It didn't matter if you were in the matchday squad or not---everyone soaked it all in. Millie Bright was having a ball in front of a large group of supporters at the Bridge. We all know having watched this team evolve that even when challenged with adversity, Hayes-led sides know how to come together to deliver what some don't often expect to be on the horizon. It was a night we'll remember for quite some time as Hayes' tenure in London comes to a close very soon.

1. Eve Perisset does herself another favor, pieces together a class display...once again

When you're talking about an unsung hero of the contest, there is not a question of who is it. In her fourth consecutive start for the west Londoners, French international Eve Perisset was sublime. You should in no way be surprised that Perisset is getting the nod over Ashley Lawrence at right back at the moment.

Caitlin Foord is a special, special winger with a whole lot of tricks. The issue for the Australian was, No. 15 in blue knew them all. Foord was so frustrated with the resistance on her flank that she shoved the French defender. No reaction from No. 15. No extracurriculars. She was just there to play some ball, and boy did she do it well last night. Beth Mead tried to take her one-on-one. The English winger was the one that landed on the ground as the 29-year-old stood tall.

The right-back was a blue wall, winning all three of the tackles in which she attempted while coming out on top in five of her eight ground duels. Despite a few poor passes here and there, Perisset was clean and consistent with Arsenal pressing her often.

On Tuesday evening, the Blues encounter Ajax in the Netherlands as they continue their quest for European glory.