Khadija Shaw scored twice as Manchester City began their Women's Super League title defence with a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Birmingham City. The Jamaica striker, who won the Golden Boot last season, headed in two second-half corners to secure the win after Mary Fowler had opened the scoring.
Shaw's double secures City's win
Shaw could have scored at least twice in the first half, but was denied by an excellent debut performance from Birmingham goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley. However, she rose highest to head in twice from second-half corners, firstly taken by Kerstin Caspari and then by debutant Beth Mead, to score her side's second and third goals.
Mary Fowler's low finish had already opened the scoring with what was Manchester City's 1,000th goal as a professional women's side. Birmingham grabbed a late consolation through Océane Hurtré, who capitalised on a defensive lapse from Jade Rose and rolled the ball home in the 90th minute.
Birmingham show improvement despite defeat
Birmingham were playing on the same ground where they were relegated in 2022 after being hit for six by Manchester City. On Sunday, Amy Merricks's side looked far stronger and more competitive, keeping the scoreline goalless until after half-time. Merricks hailed Baggaley's debut as "exceptional" and said: "We got into some good areas and lacked just a bit of anticipation that we would get there. That's just down to belief, that's not quality. I'm really pleased with the performance. I'm disappointed with the result but really pleased with the platform we've given ourselves to build on."
Manchester City head coach Andrée Jeglertz said: "We created a lot of scoring chances. The first half, [we were] a little bit hesitant on the ball, not determined with or without the ball, but the second half was better." The match also marked Lauren Hemp's 200th appearance for Manchester City.
Arsenal edge Brighton, Palace and Spurs win
Lisa Baum marked her Arsenal debut with an exquisitely taken goal in the 10th minute, rifling home a clinical finish from a tight angle, in off the underside of the crossbar, to secure a 1-0 victory at Brighton. The 19-year-old Germany youth international created room for herself to shoot inside the area, making an immediate impression on the travelling Arsenal fans. Baum, who arrived this summer from RB Leipzig, was one of four new signings to start for Arsenal, who also introduced Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle and Misa Rodriguez.
Arsenal had failed to win at Brighton in the past two league campaigns and will have been very satisfied to open their title bid with a victory as they seek their first league title since 2019. Brighton's new head coach, Arturo Ruiz, who has been in charge for nine days, saw encouraging signs with Kiko Seike and Fran Kirby both going close.
Liverpool cruise, Charlton struggle
Lexi Lloyd-Smith slotted home on her first appearance for Crystal Palace to give the promoted side a priceless 1-0 win against Everton. At Tottenham, new striker Kirsty Hanson scored twice to help them beat West Ham 3-1. Liverpool were the day's most emphatic winners as they cruised to a 4-0 victory away at promoted Charlton. The Germany striker Vivien Endemann scored on her debut for Liverpool after Grace Fisk had scored twice. Cornelia Kapocs added a stoppage-time penalty to make it a poor start for Charlton, who did not register a shot on target and recorded just two efforts off target.
