Manchester United came from behind with a late winner against 10-player Aston Villa to win 2-1 as the Barclays Women’s Super League got back underway in scintillating fashion.
Following a goalless first half, Kirsty Hanson was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Hayley Ladd.
But Rachel Daly defied the odds when she put her side in front just two minutes later.
In a breathless second half, Lucia Garcia soon found an equaliser, capitalising on a loose ball from a corner.
However, in late drama, substitute Rachel Williams connected with a Nikita Parris’ cross to head home for a last-gasp win at Villa Park.
Summer signing Geyse shone in United’s number 23 shirt, formerly of Alessia Russo, and despite not managing to get on the scoresheet herself, showed bags of WSL potential.
They don’t get much closer than this.#BarclaysWSL #WhereGreatnessLives pic.twitter.com/cjO7FPlsWZ
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 1, 2023
Elsewhere, Leicester City came from a goal down to newly-promoted Bristol City to win 4-2 in their opening fixture of the WSL.
Carrie Jones’ deflected shot opened up Bristol City’s account in the top flight before Aimee Palmer inspired a comeback on half-time with an incredible effort.
Shannon O’Brien and Lena Petermann scored in quick succession after the break as Leicester looked determined to come away with all three points.
Jutta Rantala wrapped up proceedings with a fourth goal in the 83rd minute and a penalty converted by Amelia Thestrup following a foul by CJ Bott proved to be a mere consolation.
On 🔥 in the second-half = @LCFC_Women #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/hieCFnPEcM
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 1, 2023
Champions Chelsea start as they mean to go on
WSL champions Chelsea held on at Stamford Bridge to mark the new season with three points in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Debutant Mia Fishel scored in the 28th minute on her first start in a Chelsea shirt before Lauren James was awarded a goal bumbled over the line in the second half.
Former Manchester United star Martha Thomas pulled one back for Spurs when she pounced on the error of goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, but the away side could not find an all-important equaliser at the death.
Chelsea maintained their attacking threat without the presence of star striker Sam Kerr as Niamh Charles bagged two assists for her efforts going forward.
Opening up her #BarclaysWSL goal account, @miafishel10 has arrived! 🔥@ChelseaFCW pic.twitter.com/tCeG0RREXn
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 1, 2023
Liverpool shocked Arsenal at a packed-out Emirates with a 1-0 win thanks to Miri Taylor’s sole second-half strike.
Missy Bo Kearns provided the assist to Taylor in the 48th minute as the away side secured a win on the road for the first time since January 2020.
Rachel Laws came to the rescue numerous times for her injury-hit side in the Liverpool goal, clawing Lotte Wubben-Moy’s header in the first half and tipping Frida Maanum’s powerful strike in the second.
54,115 packed out the Emirates but Jonas Eidevall’s side endured a disappointing start to their campaign.
Roord to the rescue on Man City debut
Jill Roord helped Manchester City get their WSL campaign up and running with a 2-0 win away to West Ham United with a goal on her debut in sky blue shirt.
But the away side had to play the last 20 minutes with 10 following a straight red card shown to Leila Ouahabi for kicking out at Emma Harries.
They were 2-0 up by then, Lauren Hemp having got the second half underway in style when she opened the scoring with a curling effort in the 48th minute.
Chloe Kelly had a penalty saved by Mackenzie Arnold who anticipated a stuttered run-up well.
But summer signing Roord quickly followed with a moment of magic as a she lifted the ball over Arnold to make the scoreline 2-0.
That debut goal feeling 😀#BarclaysWSL @JillRoordNL pic.twitter.com/WSwx5KIE9o
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 1, 2023
Finally, two early Elisabeth Terland goals from Brighton and Hove Albion ensured they came away with three points in a 2-1 win over Everton.
Brighton showed dominance from the off as Terland headed home in the third minute after Katie Robinson’s effort came back off the crossbar.
The Norway striker linked up with Robinson again, running onto a clever threaded pass to slot home past goalkeeper Emily Ramsey 10 minutes later.
Everton skipper Megan Finnigan pulled a goal back in the 65th minute but it was not enough to trouble Brighton who took an important opening win on the road.
Elisabeth Terland has scored the first goal of the #BarclaysWSL season! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/wflogEMJCS
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 1, 2023
Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
