Lexi Potter has given Sonia Bompastor a major Chelsea Women selection decision after another influential display in the 2-0 victory over Birmingham City.
The academy graduate retained her place in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge and took only eight minutes to reward that faith.
Potter reacted quickest after Alyssa Thompson’s shot was saved and converted the rebound to give Chelsea the lead.
Melvine Malard later added the second as the Blues secured another Women’s Super League victory. Chelsea’s official match report confirmed Potter and Malard as the goalscorers.
Potter continues rapid Chelsea rise
Bompastor’s decision to start Potter was already significant.
Chelsea confirmed before kick-off that the midfielder had retained her place after drawing praise from the head coach following last weekend’s 5-0 victory over Manchester United.
That made her early goal even more important.
Potter did not simply benefit from squad rotation. She produced the type of decisive contribution which makes it increasingly difficult to leave her out.
Our Chelsea Women player ratings against Birmingham reflected that impact, with Potter receiving the highest mark after another composed performance.
The full story of Chelsea’s 2-0 win can also be found in our Chelsea Women vs Birmingham match report.
Bompastor now has difficult midfield decision
Competition for places remains fierce.
Keira Walsh, Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein all started against Birmingham, while Chelsea also have considerable midfield depth across the wider squad.
Potter is nevertheless making a strong case for continued involvement.
She has now started successive WSL matches and produced a goal against Birmingham after earning Bompastor’s trust at Manchester United.
That changes the conversation.
Potter is no longer simply an academy option receiving occasional minutes.
She is beginning to look like a genuine first-team selection for Bompastor.
Chelsea’s confirmed XI against Birmingham showed how willing the manager is to rotate a deep squad, particularly during a demanding run of fixtures.
Potter is making sure rotation does not automatically mean she drops back out.
Arsenal test could show Potter’s new Chelsea status
The timing makes her emergence particularly interesting.
Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in their next WSL fixture on 27 September, with the official club schedule confirming a 4.30pm kick-off.
Before then, Chelsea also face Austria Wien in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Bompastor therefore has several opportunities to manage her squad.
The real test of Potter’s standing may come against Arsenal.
Starting a young player against Birmingham is one decision.
Keeping her in the side for one of Chelsea’s biggest league fixtures would say something far more significant.
Potter has done everything she can to make that decision difficult.
Chelsea Women vs Birmingham City: WSL Preview, Team News & Form
Chelsea Women vs Birmingham City: WSL Preview, Team News & Form
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