The 19-year-old enjoyed a dream debut on Wednesday against Brighton, delivering a performance that proved decisive in securing all three points and keeping the team firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
The match did not start well for the Blues. Madison Haley was causing all sorts of problems for Lucy Bronze, as the England star was again lining up as center back, rather than her usual right back position, due to the high number of absences.
In fact, the American had two goal-scoring chances early in the match to put Brighton ahead, but she was met with a strong block from Veerle Buurman on the first occasion and a good recovery from Bronze on the second.
When Thompson broke the deadlock early in the match, it seemed that it would settle the hosts. A good move between Lauren James and Sandy Baltimore down the left created the opportunity for the latter to cross, and Thompson adjusted brilliantly to power a header past Chiamaka Nnadozie.
However, Brighton took less than five minutes to level the score, and it was a goal they deserved, even if it came in rather fortunate circumstances. Carla Camacho again caused headaches for Bronze, although Hannah Hampton's misjudgment in dealing with the deflected shot also contributed to the ball ending up in the back of the net.
Fortunately for Hampton, her embarrassment was saved by a player who could be her England teammate, as well as her Chelsea one, before long. In her first WSL start for the Blues, Potter, 19, was enjoying an impressive full debut even before scoring a goal, but a powerful strike following another brilliant cross from Baltimore allowed the Chelsea academy product to enjoy an incredible moment as she restored her team's lead just before halftime.
There were not many chances for either side from that point on, with Nnadozie making a good save to deny Aggie Beever-Jones, while Keira Walsh sent a low shot just wide, as the Blues knew how to stifle Brighton's lively attack and close out the match.
Chelsea moves back into the top three WSL positions that grant access to the Champions League, four points ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal, although the Gunners have two games in hand.
Without a doubt, Lexi Potter was the player of the match, with a dream debut in the WSL for Chelsea. Excellent on the ball, she showed good movement off it and scored a fantastic goal that secured the victory for the team.
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