Man City start strongly on WSL return vs Birmingham

Women’s Super League returned this weekend and, as BBC Sport notes, it came with “new signings, improved squads and unexpected results”. So early performances are already starting to set the tone.

City, the statement win

Manchester City opened their title defence at home against newly-promoted Birmingham City. At the Joie Stadium, reigning champions cruised to a 3-1 win. The match looked like the kind of controlling, attacking display that powered them last season—though manager Andrée Jeglertz was still critical of the start.

“In the first half, it was almost [like we were] getting into it again. We turned it around and the second half was much smoother,” Jeglertz said. He added that even with goals, City wanted more: “Even though we scored goals, we wanted more.”

Chelsea stumble in front of goal

Chelsea, meanwhile, couldn’t find a breakthrough when it mattered most. Sonia Bompastor’s side were held 1-1 by Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. BBC Sport highlights the imbalance between territory and finishing: 57 touches in the opposition box, 23 shots inside the area, an effort that struck the crossbar and a disallowed goal for offside.

For a team that won the previous six WSL titles before slipping to third, this opener doesn’t quiet the concerns—City look like the clearest benchmark right now.

Palace upset Everton

Crystal Palace also made a loud early claim. The newly-expected underdogs beat Everton 1-0, with Jo Potter’s side edging ahead in the first half through Lexi Lloyd-Smith and defending the lead. Lloyd-Smith said: “No words can explain… I’m buzzing,” adding that the win was proof Palace “show we’re here to put out a statement.”

Arsenal got by Brighton 1-0 with a debut goal from Lisa Baum, while Liverpool delivered another strong message with a 4-0 rout of newly-promoted Charlton—where Vivien Endemann stood out, per BBC Sport.