Unbelievable Upsets: Liverpool Shocks Arsenal with Sensational Win, Man Utd Triumphs at Aston Villa
Manchester United kick off the WSL season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, thanks to Rachel Williams' late goal Liverpool shock Arsenal with a brilliant strike from Miri Taylor Brighton's Elisabeth Terland scores twice in a commanding win against Everton Leicester clinch a thrilling victory at Bristol City Get all the action and updates of the Women's Super League on Sky Sports' digital platforms
Arsenal suffered a 1-0 upset against Liverpool in their opening match of the season, as a record-breaking crowd witnessed the intense encounter at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the inclusion of star forward Alessia Russo in their lineup, the Gunners were unable to score against a resilient Liverpool side managed by Matt Beard. Manchester United, on the other hand, showcased their resilience by securing a comeback victory against Aston Villa.
Arsenal dominated possession with over 60% of the ball but struggled to create chances, managing only three shots on target throughout the entire 90-minute match. As a result, they suffered their third consecutive Women's Super League (WSL) defeat without scoring, following their previous losses against Chelsea and Aston Villa towards the end of the previous season.
Mimi Taylor secured the victory for the visitors with a goal just three minutes into the second half. This win was especially significant as they had not won a single away game in the WSL in the previous season.
She turned home Missy Bo Kearns' cut-back to silence the packed Emirates, and leave title-hopefuls Arsenal already off the pace after the shock result of the opening weekend.
Image:
Rachel Williams heads in Manchester United's winner at Villa Park
In the dying minutes of the game, Rachel Williams secured a crucial victory for Manchester United by scoring a late goal. Despite being behind, Manchester United managed to overcome Aston Villa's 10-player team at Villa Park. Just as the game was about to end, Nikita Parris delivered a precise cross into the box, which Williams brilliantly headed into the goal, leaving Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar no chance to save it.
"It proved to be an exhilarating encounter as we persevered until the final whistle. Our delight knows no bounds as we successfully netted two goals and made a remarkable comeback. It required sheer determination and relentless effort, but we remained steadfast," expressed Lucia Garcia, the additional scorer for United.
Image:
Rachel Daly fires Aston Villa ahead against Manchester United
United, last season's WSL runners-up, found themselves trailing in the 76th minute due to a goal from Rachel Daly, who was the top scorer in the previous season. Daly skillfully received a pass from Adriana Leon and successfully shot past goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Villa managed to equalize only two minutes after Kirsty Hanson was sent off for a high tackle on Hayley Ladd. However, their lead was short-lived, lasting only three minutes.
Image:
Lucia Garcia secures the equalizer for Manchester United in their match against Aston Villa. During a chaotic scramble resulting from a corner kick, Garcia seized the opportunity with a quick and precise shot that found the back of the net. Recognizing their advantage with an additional player, United remained motivated to secure a victory, and ultimately, Williams delivered a late strike to secure the win.
Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
Brighton took all three points away from Everton thanks to a double from Elisabeth Terland earning them a 2-1 win.
The Seagulls wasted no time in making their mark, as Terland capitalized on a rebound to give the away side an early lead within just three minutes. Building on their momentum, they doubled their advantage within 15 minutes, thanks to an exquisite finish from Terland after being set up for a goal-scoring opportunity.
Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
Megan Finnigan pulled one back for Everton, but it was Brighton who emerged victorious at Walton Hall Park.
As with all games on the opening day in the WSL, the players wore black armbands and a one-minute silence was observed for Maddy Cusack, the Sheffield United player who died on September 20.
Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
Open Privacy Options
How to follow the WSL on Sky Sports' digital platforms
Leicester's Aimee Palmer, Shannon O'Brien, Lena Petermann, and Jutta Rantala all found the back of the net, securing an impressive 4-2 victory against Bristol City, who are new to the WSL.Follow all the latest updates from the Women's Super League on SkySports.com and the app. This includes exclusive features, interviews, dedicated live blog coverage, and in-game clips from matches that are being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Watch free match highlights from every WSL game this season on We's digital platforms and YouTube channel. All games will also be shown on We Football. In addition to coverage and visibility on We's main social media channels, the dedicated Twitter channel @SkySportsWSL will remain the go-to platform for all Barclays FA WSL content on We.
The We WSL TikTok account provides extensive coverage of the league, allowing fans to have exclusive access to their newfound favorite players. Through engaging challenges, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the various personalities within the WSL and gain a fresh perspective on the sport.
Moreover, fans can stay updated on both on-field and off-field happenings through the revival of 'Three Players and a Podcast', expertly hosted by Caroline Barker.
