PSG 0-1 Chelsea: Win 'shows how far English game has come'
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Chelsea defender Millie Bright produced the game's only goal
Chelsea general manager Paul Green says the wins from English sides in Europe this week shows how far the domestic game has come.
A first-half volley from defender Millie Bright secured Chelsea victory over PSG in their opener in the Women's Champions League group stages, while Arsenal laid down a marker with a 5-1 thrashing of European champions Lyon on Wednesday.
And Green, who is taking charge of media duties while head coach Emma Hayes is absent, thinks such results would have been "unthinkable" only a few years ago.
He said: "I think it shows how far the English league has come that ourselves and Arsenal have come to the top two teams in France and got two victories.
"I think it's a really positive thing for the English league and does show how far it's come.
"In years gone by, it was probably unthinkable that teams would come to France and win games like this."
"Women's football is riding the crest of a wave after the Euros. Players coming back into club environments are bringing positivity with them, so that's part of it."
Centre-back Bright, who helped England to win Euro 2022 in July, volleyed home from close range after latching on to a well-timed Erin Cuthbert cross to give Chelsea a crucial three points.
They didn't produce many more clear-cut chances but were rarely threatened.
Chelsea failed to reach the knockout stages last year but a strong defensive performance helped them beat last year's semi-finalists.
Chelsea kicked off their Champions League campaign with victory in Paris
No British club has won the Champions League since Arsenal lifted the trophy in 2007.
But Green believes that the Women's Super League's status as a full-time division has aided English side's abilities to compete in Europe.
"I think it's well-documented that to be in the WSL you have to be a full-time team. Our games week in, week out are high-intensity games. Any team can beat anyone else on any given day as we've already seen in this season's competition. I think it does help ourselves and Arsenal going into Europe."
The Blues continue to be without Hayes, who is recovering from an emergency hysterectomy as part of her "ongoing battle with endometriosis".
They were also without creative forward Fran Kirby for the trip to Paris.
But they stepped up to the task at hand on Thursday night, despite the hostile atmosphere produced by PSG's ultras, and produced a positive result.
PSG and Brazil winger Neymar was among the crowd at the Stade Jean Bouin, where the noise was non-stop throughout the game.
Cuthbert shines in Paris
Erin Cuthbert's work-rate in midfield helped to lead Chelsea to victory
Versatile Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert was the engine as Chelsea's European campaign got off to a winning start.
She provided the expertly timed cross for Bright's opening goal but was integral throughout, producing a high-effort performance to thwart PSG's attempts to go forward.
Her endeavours reduced the hosts to trying their luck from distance and nullified the threats they would otherwise have posed on the counter.
"I thought she was absolutely immense tonight," said Green. "I thought she was really strong and dominated that area, won tackles and dominated the ball for us. We've nurtured her and know how good Erin is."
Working as part of a double-pivot alongside the equally impressive Sophie Ingle at the base of the Blues' midfield, she helped to steady the play and allow Chelsea to move forward with fluidity.
Cuthbert's previous work as a winger was evident in her excellent distribution to follow up a failed corner by expertly finding Bright at the back post.
Her efforts in front of the defence aided Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan behind her to produce a steely performance and limit PSG to only a single shot on target.
It was a display in marked contrast to their last appearance in the competition - when they were thrashed 4-0 by Wolfsburg last December to go out in the group stages.
Green spoke before the game of getting back to basics - and they did just that.
Striker Sam Kerr also looked threatening for the Blues and she drew a smart save from Sarah Bouhaddi in the first half, but it was their defensive efforts which enabled them to edge one of Europe's strongest teams.
While the display and result bodes well for their chances of progressing, Green said the team "don't want to get carried away".
He added: "There are a lot of good teams out there in Europe and they need to be respected. It does give confidence that we can play against a top European team and play like we did."
The Blues have a difficult group with last year's quarter-finalists Real Madrid likely to make it a three-way battle, along with PSG, to qualify. Next up for Chelsea is a home match with Albanian debutants Vllaznia on Wednesday.