Spurs boss Martin Ho looked frustrated as he addressed his players in an on-pitch huddle after the final whistle.
It was understandable. Not because his side were poor, but because they had remained in the contest for so long and, at times, looked the better team.
Spurs were excellent at Stamford Bridge and there was a sense they could finally end their poor record against Chelsea and the Women's Super League's established leading sides.
Gaupset, Victoria Pelova and striker Cathinka Tandberg all had opportunities and arguably could have scored before Chelsea went 2-1 ahead in the 58th minute.
They also defended resolutely up to that point, giving away little, except through an individual error that led to James' opening goal.
It must also be said that, despite Pelova's five goals this season, Spurs lacked the extra gear Chelsea were able to demonstrate in the second half and mistakes later cost them.
After the match, Ho said: "You can see that, as a young team, we lack a little bit of maturity in these big games. That will come with time.
"We conceded three goals in nine minutes and then two in six. We can't completely collapse in those moments. That's individual responsibility and accountability to defend."
Still, there will be plenty of encouragement for those connected with the club despite successive defeats in which they have conceded six goals.
It is now 14 consecutive defeats for Spurs against Chelsea in all competitions, while they are also winless in their past 21 Women's Super League matches against 'big four' opposition.
"The scoreline is obviously damaging because you don't want to concede that many goals," Ho added.
"But if you'd asked me whether we could push Chelsea as much as we did in that first 60 minutes, compared to 15 or 16 months ago, people would probably have said no.
"I thought we were well in the game, creating chances and opportunities, pushing them back and causing them problems with our pressure."
Despite the scoreline, the gap to the teams regularly chasing honours appears to be closing, with Spurs showing plenty of positive signs.