4 things we learned from Chelsea's first pre-season win against Gotham FC

Chelsea did an impressive job opening their pre-season in the United States, winning 3-1 against Gotham FC.

The team has undergone many changes since the end of last season, with a number of signings and a new coach following the departure of Emma Hayes.

Sonia Bompastor would have felt the pressure ahead of the game, determined to show that she has what it takes to help the Blues continue their winning ways, and we are happy to report that she certainly has.

Midfielder Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored twice, and Aggie Beever-Jones scored the third. Despite the loss, Gotham managed to get on the scoresheet thanks to Chelsea defender Jess Carter.

Here's what we learned from Chelsea's first pre-season win.

Sonia Bompastor arrived at the club a few weeks ago and has proven herself to be the right recruit. When Emma Hayes announced that she was leaving Chelsea after twelve years, it was hard to believe that anyone would want to replace her and take over the legacy.

Coming into his first game as a leader, Bompastor had a lot of pressure to deal with as the fans watched and waited to see if he had what it took.

It was certainly a comfortable victory, and one that no doubt led to a huge sigh of relief. As part of their pre-season tour of the US, Chelsea will next face WSL rivals Arsenal on 25 August. Despite the big win for NWSL team Washington Spirit, many will be eager to see how Bompastor fares against the team they have to face in their bid to retain their title.

England international Lucy Bronze made her first start for the Blues following her arrival this summer. It's no surprise that the right-back has been named in Bompastor's first-team squad, after it was revealed that he stopped the club's most decorated player following his appointment, following their time together at Lyon.

His signing was first announced by the club in July, marking his return to the WSL after 400 senior appearances across his clubs, including Sunderland, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City and Lyon.

Bronze said his desire to join Chelsea came from wanting to add more silverware to his cabinet, despite winning two Liga F titles, two Champions League titles, one Copa de la Reina and two Spanish Super Cups. In England, he has won every domestic trophy, including three WSL titles.

As it stands, Chelsea have a squad of 35 players. Bompastor's squad saw the return of Wieke Kaptein, who signed last summer and spent the season on loan at FC Twente, as well as returning Blues Erin Cuthbert, Guro Reiten, Lauren James, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Hannah Hampton started in goal, with captain Millie Bright, Nathalie Bjorn and Niamh Charles in front of her. Sophie Ingle replaced Cuthbert after picking up an injury, ahead of five second-half changes.

Zecira Musovic, Maika Hamano, Eve Perisset, Ashley Lawrence and Sandy Baltimore all featured, Baltimore making his first appearance after joining from PSG.

It's clear that Bompastor has a large group of talented players to choose from, and as expected, he's using this pre-season tour as an opportunity to scout the talent ahead of the start of the WSL.

Aggie Beever-Jones scored an own goal in the first half, making it a perfect performance for the Englishman.

The forward saved his effort from 12 yards with a superb finish. The rising star is still very young, and we expect him to play a major role in Chelsea's 2024/25 campaign.

The performance of this 21-year-old player will delight Chelsea fans, and attract the attention of England fans before their friendly matches scheduled for the end of this year.

We can't wait to see what else he manages to achieve during his time at the club across the pond.

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