Shaw doubles as Man City start WSL season with win

Khadija Shaw replicated the story that defined her last Women’s Super League campaign, firing Manchester City to a winning start. According to The Guardian, the Jamaica striker—Golden Boot winner last season—was decisive once again, finding the net twice.

Mary Fowler opened the scoring, and it also carried a milestone: City’s 1,000th goal as a professional women’s side. Birmingham’s Sophie Baggaley impressed in the first half, keeping Shaw at bay and stopping the game from becoming a runaway before the break.

The Shaw pattern returns

The second half flipped the script quickly. Shaw rose highest to head in twice from corners, with both assists coming after City adjusted their attacking rhythm. The first was from Kerstin Casparij and the second from debutant Beth Mead, taking City to 3-0.

Birmingham managed a late consolation when Océane Hurtré capitalised on a defensive lapse from Jade Rose to score in the 90th minute, but City held on for a 3-1 victory.

The same matchday also brought controversy in another fixture. The Guardian reports that Crystal Palace could face a points deduction or even a replay against Everton after an investigation found the hosts made a fourth substitution during the second half, breaking WSL competition rules (only three substitution opportunities are allowed). The WSL, as quoted by the newspaper, confirmed the breach and said an investigation with both clubs and Pro Ref would follow, with potential punishments including points deductions or a replay.