Arsenal, United and Others Show Early Women's Super League (WSL) Struggles in Opening Weekend

The expanded 14-team Women’s Super League kicked off with a mix of expected victories and surprising setbacks. Manchester City began their title defence with a 3-1 win over newly promoted Birmingham City, while a refreshed Tottenham Hotspur also earned a 3-1 triumph against West Ham. Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Brighton, but Manchester United fell 2-1 to London City Lionesses. Aston Villa earned a 1-1 draw against eight-time champions Arsenal, and Everton suffered a defeat to Crystal Palace amid a disputed substitution-rule challenge.

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Arsenal’s manager Renee Slegers fielded many familiar starters, leaving several summer signings—Elisa de Almeida, Selina Cerci and Géraldine Reuteler—out of the matchday squad. The decision limited the impact of the club’s announced overhaul, though winger Lisa Baum scored the decisive early goal and goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez appeared to claim the starting role.

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Manchester United’s new boss Eva Olid saw her side register only four attempts, with a single shot on target, and just 19 touches inside the opposition box. The squad, still integrating two recent signings, struggled to generate offense against a well-funded London City side.

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Everton, now under full-time manager Scott Phelan, created 14 chances but managed only two shots on target in the loss to Palace. The club’s recent additions—forward Holly McNamara and midfielder Zara Kramžar—have yet to translate into a cutting edge, raising concerns about the team’s ability to avoid a relegation battle.

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Liverpool, guided by manager Gareth Taylor, displayed a markedly improved performance, beating newly promoted Charlton 4-0 with forward Vivian Endemann among the scorers. The side’s 15 attempts and 15 shots on target suggest a potential rise beyond mid-table expectations.

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• Manchester City 3-1 Birmingham City

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• Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 West Ham United

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• Arsenal 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion

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• Manchester United 2-1 London City Lionesses (four attempts, 19 box touches)

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• Everton 0-1 Crystal Palace (14 chances, 2 shots on target)

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• Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal (first point against the champions)

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• Liverpool 4-0 Charlton Athletic (15 attempts, 15 shots on target)

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The opening results hint at early pressure points. Everton’s inability to convert numerous chances, combined with a transition under Phelan, fuels speculation that the club could face relegation if improvements do not materialise quickly. Manchester United’s limited offensive output and ongoing squad integration suggest a challenging path ahead, especially with upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal. Conversely, Liverpool’s dominant display against Charlton positions the side as a possible surprise contender, while Manchester City and Tottenham reaffirm their status as early title challengers.

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The next two weeks will test whether struggling clubs can reverse course. Everton faces Charlton Athletic and West Ham United, offering a chance to secure points. Manchester United’s schedule includes matches against Chelsea and Arsenal, presenting a stern early test for Olid’s side. Observers will watch how summer signings settle and whether teams can translate early promise into sustained performance throughout the season.

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