WSL 25/26 Gameweek 1: 18 Goals, 3 Derbies, 1 Hat-Trick

Defending champions Chelsea launched their title defence with a narrow win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Aggie Beever-Jones struck first (31′) after a driving run and cross from debutant Ellie Carpenter. Maika Hamano doubled the lead on 64′, coolly finishing after Catarina Macario’s clever dummy.

City hit back when a free-kick deflected in off Niamh Charles (70′, OG), but despite 17 shots to Chelsea’s 8 and an xG advantage (1.51–1.33), they couldn’t find an equaliser.

Match Stats

Arsenal overcame an early scare to sweep aside newly promoted London City Lionesses at the Emirates.

Kosovare Asllani put the visitors ahead from the spot on 17′, calmly converting after being fouled in the box by Katie Reid. The Gunners responded through debutant Olivia Smith, who unleashed a thunderous equaliser from distance (29′). Chloe Kelly turned the tide in stoppage time (45′+2), finishing from close range after Alessia Russo’s perfect run and cross.

London City showed flashes – Rofiat Imuran hit the post – but Arsenal’s late substitutions changed everything. Beth Mead came on at 76′ and delivered two assists within seven minutes, setting up Stina Blackstenius (83′) and Frida Maanum (85′). Arsenal’s 10 shots on target and 60% possession underlined their dominance.

Match Stats

The weekend’s lone goalless draw came on the south coast. Brighton had promising spells, but Villa held firm.

Fran Kirby had a first-half effort ruled out for offside, Brighton’s Michelle Agyemang hit the post, and Lynn Wilms smashed the bar with an 84′ free-kick in Villa’s best moment.

Both sides left feeling they could have nicked it; Brighton especially may see it as two points dropped.

Match Stats

Everton emphatically won the opening-day derby, powered by Ornella Vignola’s dream debut.

Cornelia Kapocs put Liverpool ahead after 12′, smashing in off the bar. The Reds then hit the woodwork twice more in a dominant opening spell. But Everton flipped the game through new signing Ornella Vignola, who curled home a stunning equaliser (24′) before Katja Snoeijs’ header gave the Blues a halftime lead (45′+4).

In the second half, Vignola headed in her second goal at 53′ and added a third just two minutes later (via a deflection) to complete a hat-trick and put Everton out of sight.

Match Stats

Manchester United got off to a flying start, cruising to a 4–0 win in their opening match.

Ella Toone struck first (13′), followed by a close-range header from Elisabeth Terland (25′). Leicester thought they’d pulled one back, but Hlin Eiriksdottir’s lob was ruled offside.

In the second half, French forward Melvine Malard stole the show, scoring twice (73′, 87′) to seal the win. Jess Park made her United debut off the bench to a warm reception from the 4,325-strong crowd.

Match Stats

Tottenham Hotspur secured their first league win since January, edging West Ham thanks to a late penalty.

With the game drifting towards a stalemate, Eveliina Summanen was brought down inside the box by West Ham captain Katrina Gorry. Bethany England stepped up and converted confidently from the spot (86′).

Spurs had struggled to create clear openings, while West Ham’s best chance fell to Shekeira Martinez, whose effort was saved by Lize Kop — the keeper’s only stop of the match.

It was a gritty win for Spurs and a perfect debut for manager Martin Ho.

Match Stats