New contenders emerge on WSL return - but Man City start strong

What the report says

The Women’s Super League opened this weekend with a mix of familiar power and early surprises, as defending champions Manchester City made a winning start while several challengers and promoted sides also made statements. BBC Sport reported from Joie Stadium that City beat newly promoted Birmingham City 3-1 to begin their title defence, while Crystal Palace caused one of the weekend’s shocks by defeating Everton 1-0 in the expanded 14-team competition.

BBC Sport said City looked in control for much of the match and showed signs of the attacking threat that carried them to last season’s league and Women’s FA Cup double. Birmingham competed well on their return to the top flight, but the reigning champions were still able to impose themselves. Elsewhere, Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa raised fresh questions about their sharpness in front of goal, while Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Brighton was decided by debutant Lisa Baum.

The report also highlighted London City Lionesses as an emerging contender after their 2-1 win over Manchester United, with high-profile signings including Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon helping them make an immediate impact. Tottenham also started strongly with a 3-1 win over West Ham, and Liverpool impressed in a 4-0 victory over newly promoted Charlton. Overall, BBC Sport said the opening round suggested the title race and battle for European places could be unusually open, even if it is still very early in the season.