Manchester City start WSL title defence with win as Arsenal, Liverpool and Crystal Palace impress

The Women’s Super League returned this weekend and with it a host of new signings, improved squads and unexpected results.

Manchester City began the defence of their title with victory at home to newly-promoted Birmingham City, while underdogs Crystal Palace upset Everton.

But which clubs made a statement and do Manchester City look like title favourites again?

As is the case with any new season, an early look at title challengers does not give the whole story but can be a good marker of who has the right credentials.

There were debuts for big-name signings Ona Batlle and Georgia Stanway at Arsenal, while Katie McCabe swapped red for blue when she started for Chelsea.

Manchester City also had new faces off the bench as they navigated an injury-hit squad on opening weekend.

But the reigning champions could not have hoped for a better start as they hosted WSL 2 winners Birmingham at the Joie Stadium and cruised to a 3-1 victory.

It was an assured display, full of the attacking flair and threat they unleashed last season with the only criticism that they should have scored more.

Birmingham City were no pushovers and performed well on their return to the top flight, but Andree Jeglertz’s side still imposed their superiority.

The Swedish boss was delighted with victory, though the perfectionist in him wanted more after a "hesitant" first half.

"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," said Jeglertz.

"It's about driving the game and we did that. Even though we scored goals, we wanted more."

Manchester City did what Chelsea could not as Sonia Bompastor's side were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Despite 57 touches in the opposition box, 23 shots inside the area, an effort that hit the crossbar and a disallowed goal for offside, Chelsea could not break Villa down.

Their lack of ruthlessness was a consistent characteristic last season as Chelsea, who had won the previous six WSL titles, fell to third in the table.

Their opening display did little to ease concerns it would be a similar story this season, while City showed they remain a serious force to overcome.

Elsewhere, the bookies' favourites to win the league, Arsenal, did not find life easy at Brighton for their opening game.

Arturo Ruiz, 29, took charge of his first match for Albion - a side many think can challenge the WSL's giants - and they made life tough for the Gunners.

A moment of quality from 19-year-old Lisa Baum on her Arsenal debut won the points in a 1-0 victory and, while unconvincing, it remains early days.

Last season's Champions League quarter-finalists Manchester United did not get off to a good start under manager Eva Olid as they were beaten by a surprisingly fluid display from opponents London City Lionesses on Friday.

The team of superstars, boosted by new signings such as two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi Leon, lived up to the hype on the opening night to pick up a well-earned 2-1 win.

They had 60% possession and 11 shots - not bad for a team who have barely got to know each other during a high-turnover summer.

While they clearly have bags of talent, there was scepticism at how quickly London City would gel, but on Friday night's showing they could be one of this season's challengers for a Women's Champions League qualification spot.

Another contender will be Tottenham.

Martin Ho's side laid strong foundations last season in finishing fifth and they have started this campaign strongly with a 3-1 win over West Ham.

Debutant Kirsty Hanson, who they snatched from Aston Villa after she finished as their top-scorer in 2025-26, hit the ground running with two goals in London.

Perhaps the surprise package of the weekend was Liverpool, who have been busy in the transfer window and looked very strong against newly-promoted Charlton.

Tougher challenges will come their way but Gareth Taylor's side oozed confidence and new signing Vivien Endemann was a standout performer in a 4-0 drubbing.

It took them until January last season to pick up a victory as they battled at the bottom of the table - so they have already laid a marker.

"It feels very, very good. We had a clean sheet, scored four goals and won the first match," goalscorer Endemann told Sky Sports.

"Last season, it was really tough, so now to start with a win is very important for us. We want to keep going."

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory over Everton proved there is hope for the promoted sides in the expanded 14-team league, despite those losses for Birmingham and Charlton.

Jo Potter's Palace edged in front in the first half thanks to Lexi Lloyd-Smith's finish and held off Everton, whose only shot on target came in stoppage time.

"No words can explain. I'm buzzing. To get to do this in front of my friends and family, it was an unbelievable feeling," said Lloyd-Smith.

"We knew it was going to be hard, we knew we were going into these games as underdogs. It's so good that in the first game we show we're here to put out a statement.

"I feel like we've got a lot to give."