The much-anticipated WSL 2023/2024 season finally began this past weekend, and fans were treated to some great matches. Even though the new season has just begun, let’s look at the clubs that have already made an impression.
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United: 1-2
Embed from Getty ImagesAston Villa and Manchester United played in the first game of the new season at Villa Park, with the Red Devils dominating.
In the game’s final moments, Rachel Williams scored an exciting goal to seal United’s comeback victory. Aston Villa was down to 10 players after Kirsty Hanson was sent off for kicking on Hayley Ladd, which sparked the turnaround.
Shortly after dropping to 10 players, Aston Villa managed to score, but their delight was temporary as United quickly retaliated.
Garcia’s first-time shot from a corner gave United the equalizer, which brought the score to 1-1. United finished their comeback in extra time as Williams headed in a cross from Parris.
12,533 spectators, a new Women’s Super League squad attendance record, came to Villa Park to watch this stimulating match.
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion: 1-2
Embed from Getty ImagesAs soon as Terland scored in the third minute and added another goal just 11 minutes later, Brighton took command of the game and laid the stage for a successful start to their WSL campaign.
With 25 minutes left in the match, Everton’s captain, Megan Finningal, salvaged a point for her team.
Brighton won the match at Walton Hall Park despite the hosts dominating the second half.
This victory represents a good start for Melissa Phillips, who took over as manager in March.
Previously involved in a relegation battle last season, Brighton now appears to be moving up the league.
Bristol vs Leicester City: 2-4
Embed from Getty ImagesLast weekend, Leicester City defeated recently promoted Bristol City through a comeback.
Carrie Jones opened the lead as the home team made its Women’s Super League return. Bristol initially had the upper hand, but Leicester quickly recovered with Aimee Palmer’s equaliser just before halftime.
Soon after the half time, Leicester City scored twice, once each from Shannon O’Brien and Lena Petermann, and once more from Jutta Rantala to secure the victory for the visiting team.
In the first 45 minutes, Bristol City, who had been promoted to the WSL on the last day of the previous season, showed composure.
Thestrup’s 85th-minute penalty increased the suspense in the game’s final minutes, but it wasn’t enough to claim victory in their season-opening game.
Arsenal vs Liverpool: 0-1
Embed from Getty ImagesIn a stunning upset, Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in front of a record-breaking WSL crowd at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite maintaining over 60 per cent possession, the Gunners managed only three shots on target during the 90 minutes of play in front of 54,115 spectators. This loss marks their third consecutive WSL defeat without finding the back of the net.
Mimi Taylor delivered a pivotal blow three minutes into the match, securing three crucial points for the visiting team. Remarkably, Liverpool, who failed to secure an away win in their debut WSL season last year, now started their new campaign with a shocking victory.
Arsenal was presented with an unexpected result on the first weekend of the season when Taylor’s goal stunned the Emirates Stadium and left them in despair.
West Ham vs. Manchester City: 0-2
Embed from Getty ImagesLauren Hemp scored early in the second half, giving Manchester City the lead. Shortly after, West Ham’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold saved Chloe Kelly’s penalty attempt.
Jill Roord, City’s club-record summer purchase, made her mark on the team by putting the ball in the back of the net in the 55th minute to secure the goal that ultimately gave City all three points.
Leila Ouahabi’s red card for kicking out at Emma Harries resulted in the match ending with 10 players, however the Hammers were unable to make the most of this advantage, and City ultimately won.
Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur: 2-1
Embed from Getty ImagesWith her crucial contribution to Chelsea’s 2-1 London derby triumph over Tottenham, Lauren James stole the show upon her return to the WSL.
James scored six minutes into the second half to double Chelsea’s dominance on the first day of the WSL.
Guro Reiten had scored a goal earlier in the second half that appeared to cross the line, but because goal-line technology was not there, the Blues had to press on.
As the defending champions began the title defence over the weekend, Mia Fishel, a recent purchase to Chelsea, also scored on her debut.
In the 75th minute, Martha Thomas, who was on loan from Manchester United, helped Tottenham get one back, making for a tight finish to the game.
Even though Tottenham played well in the first half, they could not defeat the defending WSL champions at Stamford Bridge.
