If Liverpool want to know what it takes to be the best in the Women's Super League, last weekend's clash with Chelsea served as a pretty comprehensive education.
Matt Beard's side travelled to Stamford Bridge off the back of their hard-fought draw with Tottenham Hotspur and looking to maintain their impressive start to the campaign. The odds were of, course, stacked in Chelsea's favour but there was reason for Reds fans to be optimistic ahead of Saturday's contest.
Before proceedings got underway in West London, Liverpool boasted the joint-best defensive record in the league and had already amassed as many points in their last three away games as in the entirety of last term. Their shock opening day victory over Arsenal at the Emirates proved they are capable of pulling off an upset on the road, while club-record signing Sophie Roman Haug had finally got off the mark for her new club against Spurs.
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Liverpool's progress this term has been so great that even Chelsea manager Emma Hayes dubbed the Reds the "most improved team in the league" ahead of the weekend's showdown in SW6 - high praise indeed from the woman who has led the Blues to six WSL titles in the space of eight years. Chelsea's midweek exertions in the UEFA Women's Champions League also seemed to present Liverpool with an opportunity to capitalise on any European hangover, though Beard was wise to point out the Blues' strength in depth could see them field three separate XI's and still pose a threat.
Indeed, Hayes opted to rotate to rotate her squad on Saturday afternoon, with academy graduate Aggie Beever-Jones handed a first WSL start for her childhood club at Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old turned in an impressive display against Beard's side, netting Chelsea's second goal of the day.
But it was teammate Lauren James who stole the show; the England international bagging a hat-trick and an assist against the Reds. Sjoeke Nüsken's 78th-minute goal further compounded Liverpool's misery and rounded off a sublime Chelsea display, with a Jess Carter own goal - that had drawn the visitors level after 13 minutes - little more than a consolation prize for Beard's side.
"It’s a frustrating result for us," the Liverpool boss said in his post-match press conference. "We have said to the players after the game we are disappointed with the manner of the goals, especially when we worked hard to force Chelsea into turnovers. If you give it straight back you just get punished against these top, top sides."
Losing 5-1 to any side in the WSL is a harsh lesson but, in this instance, one that Liverpool can learn a lot from. Hayes has built a dynasty at Chelsea through time, shrewd recruitment and consistent financial backing.
For the first time in a long time, the Reds seem to have all of those variables at their disposal. Chelsea's performance on Saturday showed the powers that be at Liverpool exactly what is required to be a force in the top flight.
And, while Beard's side will of course be disappointed with Saturday's defeat, they will know what could be possible should the club continue on its current trajectory.
