On the WSL’s opening weekend (September 6–7, 2025), Ornella Vignola stole the headlines with a sensational hat-trick on debut as Everton crushed Liverpool 4–1 at Anfield. Arsenal and Manchester United each delivered commanding wins, while Tottenham eked out a narrow victory in Martin Ho’s managerial debut. The return of the league was anything but quiet—goals, debuts, and storylines erupted across the board, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.

Everton Roars to a Statement Derby Win

Everton’s season could not have started more emphatically. At a sunlit Anfield, the Merseyside derby exploded into life as summer signing Ornella Vignola delivered a performance for the ages. Her hat-trick on debut powered Everton past city rivals Liverpool in a 4–1 dismantling that left the hosts stunned.

Liverpool began brightly, rewarded when Cornelia Kapocs rifled in an opener off the crossbar in the 12th minute. Everton, sluggish early on, found their rhythm after Vignola equalised from outside the box in the 24th. Just before halftime, captain Katja Snoeijs flicked in a header to put the Toffees ahead.

What followed was a second-half blitz. Within 11 minutes of the restart, Vignola completed her hat-trick—a second header followed by a shot that deflected past the Liverpool keeper. At just 21, the former Lyon forward became the WSL’s most talked-about player overnight.

“It was a dream debut,” Vignola told EvertonTV post-match. “We knew the derby was special, but to contribute like this—it’s incredible.”

Liverpool offered little resistance in the second half, failing to register a shot on target. The loss extends their winless derby run to eight games. Everton, meanwhile, maintain a perfect record at Anfield in WSL competition, now six wins from six.

Arsenal Show Their Teeth Against London City

At the Emirates, defending champions Arsenal kicked off their title defence against ambitious newcomers London City Lionesses. The Lionesses, under new American ownership, made headlines this summer with marquee signings including Grace Geyoro, Saki Kumagai, and Vicky López. And they didn’t come just to make up the numbers.

In the 17th minute, veteran Kosovare Asllani stunned the 38,000+ crowd with a confidently taken penalty—London City’s first goal in WSL history. For a moment, the impossible seemed on the cards.

But Arsenal responded like champions. Olivia Smith, the club’s record £1 million signing, struck a thunderous equaliser from distance on her WSL debut in the 29th minute. Just before the break, Chloe Kelly converted a low cross from Katie McCabe to turn the scoreline around.

In the second half, Arsenal’s depth took over. Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum came off the bench to score a third and fourth goal, cementing the Gunners’ authority and reminding the league that squad depth remains a critical advantage.

“We were patient and didn’t panic,” Arsenal manager Renée Slegers told BBC Sport. “London City were brave and aggressive, but our reaction was world-class.”

For London City, the result may sting, but the performance offered real encouragement. Despite defeat, they completed more passes in the final third than any other away side in the league this weekend and showed cohesion despite a near-entirely new squad.

Manchester United and Spurs Flex Muscle and Grit

Manchester United also came out firing, dispatching Leicester City 4–0 at Leigh Sports Village. Ella Toone opened the scoring early, before Elisabeth Terland and Melvine Malard added three more to complete a dominant display.

It was a fluid, attacking performance from United, who look poised to challenge for the title. The chemistry between Malard and Terland was particularly promising, with the two combining for the final goal in a slick one-touch move through midfield.

Meanwhile, Tottenham under new head coach Martin Ho started their season with a tight 1–0 victory over West Ham. The breakthrough came late, with Bethany England converting from the penalty spot in the 84th minute after Kit Graham was brought down.

It wasn’t the most glamorous win, but it was the kind of grinding performance Spurs often lacked last season—proof perhaps that Ho’s tactical discipline is already bearing fruit.

Brighton and Villa Stalemate in a Gritty Draw 

The only goalless affair of the weekend saw Brighton and Aston Villa share the spoils in a physical, cagey 0–0 draw. Both sides created decent chances—Villa’s Alisha Lehmann rattled the bar in the second half—but neither could find the finishing touch.

For Brighton, new signing Tatiana Pinto impressed with her energy and passing range, while Villa’s midfield trio looked composed but struggled to break lines consistently.

In a season expected to see tighter mid-table battles, this result keeps both teams level but perhaps unsatisfied.

What the Weekend Told Us

This WSL opener was a showcase of rising stars, bold newcomers, and statement wins from title hopefuls. Vignola’s three-goal performance will rightly steal the spotlight, but Olivia Smith’s debut strike, Malard’s brace, and Asllani’s history-making penalty were all part of a weekend that underlined how deep and competitive the league has become.

Arsenal and United look in mid-season form already. Everton, rejuvenated under Brian Sørensen, could be the dark horses this year—especially if Vignola maintains anything close to this level.

London City, though outclassed on the scoreboard, gave enough glimpses to suggest they’ll avoid a relegation fight and possibly stir the mid-table pot.

With Chelsea yet to play their first match due to UWCL qualifiers, the reigning powerhouses have a marker to match. The tone has been set: this season will be relentless, unpredictable, and unmissable.

Weekend Results at a Glance

• Everton 4–1 Liverpool: Vignola hat-trick, comeback win at Anfield
• Arsenal 4–1 London City: Smith debut goal, second-half dominance
• Man United 4–0 Leicester: Terland & Malard score in rout
• Tottenham 1–0 West Ham: England late penalty secures points
• Brighton 0–0 Aston Villa: Stalemate in hard-fought contest