WSL Round 1: Arsenal Shine, Everton Stun, and the Champions Start Strong

The long-awaited return of the Women’s Super League did not disappoint, with the opening weekend delivering drama, debut brilliance, and early signs of what promises to be a gripping season.

The first ball of the campaign was kicked at Meadow Park, where Arsenal announced their intent in style with a 4–1 win over newly promoted London City Lionesses. The Lionesses made history with a debut WSL goal as Kosovare Asllani calmly converted from the spot, but the lead lasted only minutes. Arsenal’s summer signings wasted no time making an impression: Olivia Smith marked her league debut with a goal, while Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum completed the rout, underlining Arsenal’s depth and firepower. For the Lionesses, it was a baptism of fire, but also a glimpse of promise in their first steps at the top level.

Elsewhere, defending champions Chelsea began their title defence with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Manchester City. Aggie Beever-Jones opened the scoring after brilliant work from Ellie Carpenter on her debut, before Maika Hamano added Chelsea’s second. City pressed late and pulled one back, but Sonia Bompastor's side once again proved their resilience, extending their unbeaten league run to 26 matches.

At Anfield, the Merseyside derby stole headlines as Everton stunned Liverpool with a 4–1 win. Twenty-year-old Ornella Vignola announced herself with a remarkable hat-trick, the first by an Everton player in a derby since 1931. Captain Katja Snoeijs also found the net as the Toffees extended their unbeaten run at Anfield to six games. For Liverpool, it was another frustrating derby day, their winless streak in the fixture now stretching to eight matches.

Manchester United also flexed their muscles, sweeping aside Leicester 4–0 with goals from Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland, and a brace from Melvine Malard. Tottenham Hotspur, under new manager Martin Ho, edged West Ham 1–0 thanks to a late penalty from Bethany England, giving the Ho era the perfect start. The round was completed with a goalless draw between Brighton and Aston Villa, a tight encounter that highlighted just how competitive the league is becoming from top to bottom.

The opening weekend of the WSL has already offered plenty of storylines: Arsenal’s ambition, Chelsea’s relentlessness, Everton’s unexpected brilliance, and the sparks of promise from newcomers London City Lionesses. With record crowds, rising stars, and heavyweight clashes still to come, this season already feels like it could be the most transformative yet.