The defending champions are seeking a sixth successive WSL title this season and a first without Hayes.

There was a new look to Kingsmeadow as the old banners and flags displaying Hayes’ face on were switched to new ones celebrating Bompastor.

“Vive La Revolution” were the words that accompanied Bompastor’s face and the Chelsea badge on the main banner behind Hannah Hampton’s goal in the first half.

She was applauded onto the pitch during the warm-ups and a roar erupted when the stadium announcer read out Bompastor’s name to the crowd before kick-off.

“It was really good to be at home and to feel the fans close to the team,” she said afterwards.

“It was a really special night, especially with all the flags. I just saw with my face on them! It was lovely.

“I felt a warm welcome and I will do my best to make the fans happy.”

The message was clear: this game was about winning.

When asked what she would take away from it at full-time, Bompastor smiled as her seven-year old son sat next to her in the press conference room and answered: “I will take away the win and the three points for sure!”

There is work to be done. They were pushed hard by a very impressive Aston Villa side under new management of their own and they almost conceded late on.

Two crucial saves from Hampton denied Rachel Daly and opposition goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo a dramatic equaliser.

But winning is in Chelsea’s DNA and it was important they showed this early on under Bompastor.

“They did what they had to do to get the win,” said former England midfielder Fara Williams on BBC Two.

“They didn’t put away the result like we are used to seeing them do. They made lots of chances, got the goal and in the second half Aston Villa put them on the back foot.

“But Chelsea showed they could suffer and grind out a result. For an opening game, this result is perfect. They have three points on the board and can move forward.”