Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Roma in the Women's Champions League was yet another demonstration they can win in different ways.

Sonia Bompastor's side disappointed last season when they lost their Women's Super League and FA Cup crowns, while rivals Arsenal handed them an exit from Europe at the quarter-final stage.

That followed a dream unbeaten season in which the Blues wrapped up a domestic treble in Bompastor's first year in charge.

Having previously won six successive WSL titles, a blip was inevitable and their transition period highlighted flaws in the new era under their French boss.

There was still optimism in this campaign and, while Bompastor expected it would take more time, Chelsea have started impressively.

They are unbeaten in all competitions, top of the Women's Super League with Manchester City after seven games, and have won two and drawn one of their opening three Champions League phase matches.

"I'm really pleased with the results for sure, but not only the results, I think the different performances," said Bompastor earlier this week.

"Right now, the way we are performing gives us a really good advantage and a big chance to win games."

Are Blues more adaptable?

Their 2-0 victory over Roma on Wednesday was well deserved.

A flurry of chances were squandered in a dominant first half before substitute Ellie Carpenter broke the deadlock after 51 minutes.

Chelsea made sure of victory when defender Kadeisha Buchanan nodded in their second just before the end.

"I'm really pleased with the solid performances in terms of the defensive aspects. We have played three games and we haven't conceded," added Bompastor.

"When you want to go far in competitions, it's good to have this solid base. With the quality we have in the team, I'm confident we will always create opportunities."

She admitted the Champions League was "a different level" to what they had already overcome in the WSL and Bompastor has rotated her squad effectively to cope in both competitions.

They seem to have sorted out their defensive leaks that were so evident last season and look more clinical going forward.

Full-back Carpenter has four goals in all competitions, England forward Lauren James is in scintillating form and young midfielder Lexi Potter is developing a flourishing partnership with Lionesses star Keira Walsh.

They look unpredictable, being able to adapt shape in a back three or a back four, and can go direct with the aid of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's distribution.

They had to grind out their win over Roma in a way that former boss Emma Hayes' sides used to do - proof in itself they have learned from the previous campaign.

"Even when we opened the competition against Austria Vienna, it was a tough game because they were brave and exposed us to some challenges," said Bompastor.

"We found a way to win, but obviously we want to control every game as much as we can, no matter what competition it is.

"Tonight and on Sunday we rotated the team a little bit. We find different ways to impose ourselves in the game and to score goals. That's good."

'The team's gone up another level'

Manchester City won the WSL title impressively last season but externally, there was an expectation Chelsea would bounce back.

Bompastor was more cautious, insisting they were still transitioning after the departures of big-name players including Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Guro Reiten.

She said: "You need to consider the fact that Chelsea had the same coach for 12 years. It takes a while for players to adjust to a new coach, a new way of playing and a philosophy.

"Even if you have really good players, it doesn't just go like this. There are a lot of things we are doing behind the scenes for us to stay successful.

"I was lucky enough to come in when [Hayes] left the team in a really good place. But last season we had a year where a lot of important players left."

But captain Erin Cuthbert said she was "not really" surprised at how good their level has been so far.

"We had a good time to build in pre-season and a good trip away. The quality was always there, we just weren't clicking," she added.

"Manchester City ran away with the league in the end, but we were there or thereabouts. I feel this time the team's just gone up another level."

As well as adapting more to Bompastor's ways, and adding defensive solidity to a creative frontline, work has gone into improving the club's culture.

Cuthbert said before Wednesday's win there was "really good momentum and a good feeling" in the squad - so can they kick on now?

"For me, the mental aspects and cultural aspects are just as important," admitted Bompastor.

"We probably needed to rebuild a little bit of that going into this new season. We reflected a lot on how we wanted to set up the process for that.

"Right now, we are in a good place. When you are able to get good results, it's not only about the tactical aspects. It also has to be about mentality, culture and values.

"I think we have clarity on where we want to go as a team and how we want to get there, and that's just as important."