What did we learn from opening weekend in WSL?

WSL talking points: London City, Arsenal and Man City make winning starts on opening weekend, but Chelsea and Man Utd stutter All the key talking points from the opening weekend of the WSL season; London City Lionesses galactico era kicks off with a win, but more consistency is needed to be a threat; Chelsea and Man Utd off the pace and fall behind rivals Arsenal and Man City Sunday 6 September 2026 18:59, UK After an opening weekend that saw new contenders arrive on the scene and old ones flatter to deceive, Sky Sports analyses the key talking points from the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Women's Super League. Man City eventually click into gear Manchester City took some time to find their usual standards but after the nerves were settled by Mary Fowler's opener, they quickly reminded everyone why they are champions and why they will be well amongst the title race once more. Fowler's chance was gifted to them by Birmingham but the precision made the difference. Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw rising highest on two occasions to glance home her double has already set the tone for another goal-laden campaign. There is more to come from City, as Jade Rose's error in the 90th minute highlighted, but the fact they can win so emphatically while not at their best will strike fear in the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea as we settle in for another enthralling WSL season. Arsenal need more but reinforcements helping already Like Manchester City, Arsenal were short on their usual standards in front of goal. Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius both squandered chances from close range but it looks as if Renee Slegers has a few new names to rely on now. It has been a summer of change at the club but new signings Lisa Baum and Georgia Stanway stood out and were duly needed in the narrow win against Brighton. Baum introduced herself in perfect fashion with her emphatic opener after dancing into the box. She then stung the hands of Chiamaka Nnadozie with a similar effort after cutting in from the left during the second half. Despite her age, Baum displays confidence and talent beyond her years and looks ready-made for the WSL. Meanwhile, Stanway settled into her role as if she had never left the top flight of English football. The Lionesses midfielder was the first midfielder in history to record 100+ passes on their league debut for a club and dictated play from the middle of the pitch throughout. There is more to come from Arsenal and they will need their star players to get up to speed quickly if they are to keep pace with City - but for now, it looks like the reinforcements they have added are ready to contribute. Stumbling start for Chelsea and Man Utd A lot of eyes would’ve been on Chelsea to start the season strongly. For the first time since 2019, they started a WSL campaign not as defending champions. A statement of intent was needed. The same can also be said of Manchester United. After missing out on the Champions League, the pressure to return was already on. Then came Marc Skinner’s departure and Eva Olid’s appointment. Starting the new era with a win was of utmost importance. Neither managed to be convincing. For the latter, perhaps some grace can be given. The transition in coaches, the hype surrounding the new-look London City and a transfer window in which Olid admitted the focus had shifted to January meant there was an uphill struggle. The way they were dominated, though, will give the former Hearts boss much to ponder. As for the Blues, Lauren James’ opener was a positive. Yet, despite 34 total attempts and an xG of 3.6, the majority of Stamford Bridge was left wanting more. Buurman’s late own goal will be a tough pill to swallow, but is as a result of Sonia Bompastor’s side not putting the game to bed earlier. With Arsenal and Man City getting off the mark with wins, this false start is the last thing the team once at the pinnacle of English women’s football needed. After one game, they are already part of the chasing pack. Galactico era off and running but London City need consitency A debut for Alexia Putellas, as well as debuts for Rosa Kafaji, Mapi Leon and Janni Thomsen, grabbed the headlines in the build-up to the game but London City Lionesses didn't need their stars to shine to beat Manchester United. An own goal from Julia Zigiotti and a moment of magic from Danielle van de Donk were enough to secure the victory. It was comfortable from minute one for the hosts at a sold-out Hayes Lane but consistency will now be at the forefront of everyone's thinking as they push ahead with the season. It was something that was lacking from their debut campaign in the WSL but now, fuelled by the talent they have recruited in a stunning summer transfer window, it will now be key. Michele Kang was asked about how the club will measure success this season before kick-off. She was hesitant to say trophies will be needed. The club have the talent at their disposal to compete for titles this season but consistency is one issue you cannot address in the window. It has to be earned, week in and week out, as a team. Mixed bag for newly promoted sides Coming into a new league is always a challenge. Therefore, not getting off to a winning start is not the end of the world. However, the nature of performances is what matters. In that respect, Birmingham may come away with their heads held high. Being picked to face the champions away from home on the opening day is arguably the worst start imaginable. But for 45 minutes they held their own until finally City’s quality shone through. Amy Merricks couldn’t have asked for much more. There will be a sense inside the Blues dressing room that if they can replicate that effort and frustrate teams to that extent every game, they will find a way to survive. For Charlton, though, there will be a sense of disappointment. While Liverpool aren’t a side to be sniffed at, it did take them 13 games last season to get a win. At home, the Addicks may have had higher hopes. But they just weren’t at the races. Vivien Endemann’s quality was a small taste of what they can expect moving forward. If their response continues to be the same, they will surely be in trouble come the end of the season. Then there’s Crystal Palace, who bounced back in style. A debut goal for Lexi Lloyd-Smith, a clean sheet and a job well done against Everton. After a year away from the top flight, that was exactly what the doctor ordered. And, to cap it off, it was a good performance. They were close to a second and despite having less of the ball were competitive with Everton, who only truly pushed right at the very end. [Image text:] USDC BY CIRCLE Emirates FLY BETTER