​No one gets a reaction like Katie McCabe. As soon as her name was announced during the warm-up at Stamford Bridge, the Arsenal fans booed.Every touch she took, they jeered. The 3,600-strong away section could not believe their luck just before half-time when their former left-back, took a Chelsea corner right in front of them, only to be cautioned for time-wasting. It was the pantomime script that just kept on giving and Arsenal fans revelled in it.The rivalry between the two sides has had historic moments, including Jonas Eidevall and Emma Hayes’ 2024 League Cup confrontation, a hairpull and sockgate. McCabe’s summer transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea, which was met with vitriol from some fans, has added an extra level of spice, intensified by the defender’s physicality and mentality.The 31-year-old played on a yellow card for nearly the entirety of the second half on the side nearest the Arsenal supporters. She made a point to applaud them after Chelsea’s 1-0 win thanks to Alyssa Thompson’s 39th-minute goal.“I’m not surprised she handled it (fan reaction),” said Chelsea team-mate Keira Walsh. “That’s just the player she is. (Her) mentality, how she works every day, she wants to win every single part of every training session. We needed that a little bit more last year, and she has definitely brought that.”McCabe has had an instant and significant impact on the Chelsea dressing room, according to sources briefed on the matter, who asked for anonymity to protect relationships. The new recruit is unafraid to speak up, commanding respect, whether that be among other leading players after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the season opener or before their 5-0 demolition of Manchester United.Along with head coach Sonia Bompastor and captain Lucy Bronze’s message of sticking together, before facing her former club of 11 years, McCabe emphasised the need to fight. Her words struck even someone as experienced as Walsh, 29.“She’s just so passionate about the game,” said the England international. “You can really feel it when she’s speaking. It gets the players going, definitely gets me going, hopefully she keeps doing it.”The Republic of Ireland captain has a divisive on-field conduct, but according to Walsh, “fitted in very well”. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing with her,” she said. “She’s really smart, has a great left foot and brought a massive part to our team.”Sources familiar with the situation have echoed Walsh’s sentiments and noted McCabe’s drive for higher standards and readiness to hold team-mates accountable. For now, it has been well received by coaching staff and players who know they need to raise their level to return to their peak.After Niamh Charles’ switch to Manchester City, McCabe’s competitive nature was a key reason why Chelsea wanted to sign her, especially given the team’s vulnerability last season. “We know we can play with the ball but if we can outwork