Women's Super League: Chelsea start title defence with victory over Spurs, Arsenal lose in front of record crowd
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Updated 01/10/2023 at 20:37 GMT
Defending champions Chelsea kicked off their Women's Super League campaign with a 2-1 win against Tottenham. Meanwhile, Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at the Emirates, and Manchester United came from behind to beat 10-woman Aston Villa 2-1 in a dramatic match. Manchester City secured a 2-0 win against West Ham despite a red card, and Leicester won 4-2 against newly promoted Bristol 4-2.
Lauren James celebrates after scoring during the Women's Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on October 01, 2023.
Image credit: Getty Images
Defending champions Chelsea began their Women's Super League campaign with a 2-1 win against Tottenham, whilst Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool at the Emirates.
New signing Mia Fishel scored on her Chelsea debut after heading the opener from a Niamh Charles cross in the first-half.
Lauren James doubled the Blues' lead after half-time, getting on the end of a clearance off the line. The ball looked to have gone in from Guro Reiten's initial effort, which the replays confirmed, but the on-field decision was to not award a goal, with no goalline technology available to correct the officials.
Spurs managed a goal back in the 76th minute after Martha Thomas capitalised on a mistake made by Chelsea keeper Zecira Musovic, but despite a late push from the visitors, Emma Hayes' side grabbed all three points at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal were left shell-shocked when Liverpool midfielder Miri Taylor's goal dealt the north London club a loss in their first league match of the season.
The Emirates, which boasted 54,115 fans – a WSL record – could only watch as Missy Bo Kearns' cross landed perfectly for Taylor to slot home in the 48th minute.
Despite their star-studded squad, Arsenal were unable to respond, giving Liverpool their first win away from home in over three years.
Manchester United came from behind to beat a 10-women Aston Villa 2-1.
Kirsty Hanson was given a straight red card for a foul on Hayley Ladd after the referee deemed it a high-tackle in the 74th minute, when it was still goalless.
Despite having the numerical disadvantage, Villa scored two minutes later through Rachel Daly. Three minutes later, United responded after Lucia Garcia scored from a corner to equalise.
Marc Skinner's side completed the comeback to take all three points after Rachel Williams headed in the winner in the 92nd minute.
Unlike Villa, Manchester City managed a win despite Leila Ouahabi seeing red, beating West Ham away from home 2-0.
Lauren Hemp scored a curling goal to open up the scoring before Mackenzie Arnold saved a penalty taken by Chloe Kelly, but new signing Jill Roord showed off some great skill to quickly double the lead.
Despite Ouahabi getting sent off in the 71st minute, West Ham struggled to mount any chances, and Gareth Taylor's side defended well to maintain the clean sheet and the three points in their opening match.
Leicester City beat newly promoted Bristol City 4-2 in what was the highest scoring game of the opening matchday.
Bristol opened up the scoring through Carrie Jones, but a second half performance saw Aimee Palmer, Shannon O'Brien, Lena Petermann and Jutta Rantala on the score sheet, rendering Amelie Thestrup's penalty a mere consolation, while Brighton managed a win on Merseyside after Elisabeth Terland's brace helped earn a 2-1 win against Everton.
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