Sam Kerr is back among the goals -- and Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor believes her typical quality finish in the Women's Super League was just the boost of confidence the great striker needed on the comeback trail.
The Matildas captain has had a lean time in front of goal since her return in mid-September. She had netted on her debut in injury-time against Aston Villa but then failed to score since in eight games for club and country while mainly getting late cameo appearances off the bench.
That super-sub role remained on Saturday when Kerr was brought on at Stamford Bridge for the last quarter-of-an hour against London City Lionesses, replacing fellow Matilda Ellie Carpenter, who'd earlier scored her first goal for the club to put them ahead.
Kerr had a bright spell of nearly 20 minutes but again without a goal, until the 94th when the ball fell kindly to her off a Lionesses defender and, quick as flash, she directed a superbly controlled chip from an unpromising angle over the retreating goalie to seal the 2-0 win.
Her first goal at Stamford Bridge in nearly two years thrilled Kerr but perhaps enthused the club's French manager equally.
"I'm really pleased for Sam, she's been building up her minutes," said Bompastor. "She was able to play more minutes with the national team, and she's getting back to a good level.
"She came in and made an impact on the game. She got a crucial goal for the team and her goal meant the game was over, even if it was in added time.
"It was nice for her, for her confidence and also for the team. Hopefully, we'll see Sam taking even more steps to get closer to her best level."
It was a big afternoon for Carpenter too, who not only scored her first goal since her move from French giants Lyonnes but who also thrived as the player-of-the-match in a new wing-back rather than full-back role.
The change of shape meant their other right-back Lucy Bronze worked behind Carpenter, and the pair teamed up seamlessly to provide more of a threat down the flank, with the Aussie scoring after just five minutes.
"It was good. Both of them had good performances. I think they made a big impact on the game," Bompastor said of Carpenter and star England international Bronze.
"Ellie also had a really good performance. She was able to score a really important and early goal in the game."
Champions Chelsea are one point clear of Manchester City, while Manchester United also kept close, just a further point behind after they won 3-2 at Dario Vidosic's Brighton on Sunday.
Elisabeth Terland fired United ahead and Jess Park made it two after the break, but the Seagulls threatened a comeback when Fran Kirby struck.
Park then provided the assist for Lisa Naalsund in the 89th minute and United held on after Kiko Seike scored in stoppage-time as Brighton, now seventh, slipped to a third straight defeat.
Tottenham are fourth after beating struggling Liverpool 2-1 with a Beth England winner, while Matildas Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley both impressed in Arsenal's 4-1 win at Leicester, where Stina Blackstenius scored twice.
