Sky Sports delivered a comprehensive recap of Sunday’s Women’s Super League fixtures, highlighting how fresh faces for Arsenal and Tottenham made decisive contributions that helped both clubs secure opening‑day triumphs. Eighteen‑year‑old winger Lisa Baum announced her arrival at Arsenal in spectacular fashion, finding the net on her very first appearance to clinch a 1‑0 win against Brighton.
The young attacker wasted no time, weaving past defenders before unleashing a precise strike that nestled into the top‑left corner just ten minutes into the match, breaking the deadlock and setting the tone for the Gunners. Arsenal’s revamped lineup, now bolstered by recent acquisitions Misa, Georgia Stanway and Ona Battle, pressed forward with intent and came close to extending their lead. However, the team fell short of the clinical finishing they have become known for, missing several clear‑cut chances. Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius each had opportunities from within the box but were unable to convert, leaving the score at a modest 1‑0.
Manager Renee Slegers was forced to rely on a disciplined defensive display to preserve the advantage, and despite the narrow margin, Arturo Ruiz could take heart from a spirited performance in his debut as head coach, even if the result did not go his way. In the other half of the league, Tottenham opened their campaign emphatically with a convincing 3‑1 victory over West Ham United. The Hammers, who brought in ten new players during the summer and fielded four of them at Brisbane Road, struggled to find cohesion, allowing the Spurs to dominate the tempo with a blend of intensity and technical quality. Kirsty Hanson stole the spotlight on her Spurs debut, delivering a brace that included a spectacular curling effort from outside the eighteen‑yard line.
The first goal came after Signe Gaupset reacted quickest to a loose ball, slotting it home with a smart finish off the post. Gaupset then assisted Hanson, sprinting from beyond midfield, delivering a low cross that the Scottish winger turned in to double the lead.
Spurs continued to create chances in the second half, with Cathinka Tandberg and Julie Blakstad each missing prime opportunities. Nevertheless, Hanson completed her double by receiving the ball at the edge of the box, taking a moment to settle, and driving a powerful shot into the far top corner, leaving goalkeeper Constance Picaud with no chance. Viviane Asseyi added a consolation goal in stoppage time for West Ham, but it was too little too late.
Tottenham’s performance mirrored the result they achieved against the Hammers last season, but this time the victory was even more convincing. Manchester City, defending champions, experienced a sluggish start that was quickly corrected after the interval.
Mary Fowler opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a low drive that curled into the bottom‑right corner, ending the first‑half deadlock. Six minutes later, Khadija Shaw rose highest to meet Kerstin Casparij’s corner, heading the ball home for the second goal.
Beth Mead, making her debut for City off the bench, provided the assist for Shaw’s second header of the afternoon, which added a third goal to the tally. Jade Rose’s defensive error later in the game allowed Oceane Hurtre to score a late consolation, the only blemish on an otherwise dominant display by the champions.
Liverpool, who needed thirteen games to register their first win last season, wasted no time this campaign, thumping newly promoted Charlton Athletic 4‑0 in their opening match. Central defender Grace Fisk made headlines by scoring the opening two goals. Her first came inside eight minutes with a simple tap‑in from the byline, while her second was a striking finish from the edge of the box after a cut‑back from debutant Vivien Endemann. Endemann then earned her own goal with a thunderous drive just after the hour mark, showcasing her composure and power.
The final goal was a stoppage‑time penalty converted by Cornelia Kapocs, sealing a comprehensive victory for Liverpool. Although Charlton’s scoreline suggested a threatening performance, they never truly threatened Liverpool’s defense, and manager Gareth Taylor’s side finished the weekend at the top of the league table.
Crystal Palace, the only promoted side to collect all three points on the opening weekend, secured a 1‑0 win over Everton. Returning to the top flight after a season in WSL 2, the Eagles announced their intentions with Lexi Lloyd‑Smith scoring the decisive goal on her debut in the 34th minute. A potential second goal was disallowed for off‑side, but Palace held on despite late pressure from Everton, earning a valuable three points. Overall, the Sunday fixtures showcased the impact of new signings across the league, with fresh talent immediately influencing outcomes and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season in the Women’s Super League.