The Women's Super League returned this weekend with several notable results as clubs unveiled new signings and revamped squads. Defending champions Manchester City made a strong start with a 3-1 win over newly-promoted Birmingham City, while Chelsea, chasing a seventh consecutive title, were held to a frustrating draw, raising early questions about their season. Elsewhere, London City Lionesses and Crystal Palace produced notable upsets, suggesting the title race and top-four battle could be more open than in previous years.

Manchester City eased past Birmingham despite manager Andree Jeglertz feeling his side should have scored more, following a "hesitant" first half. Chelsea's Sonia Bompastor saw her side held 1-1 by Aston Villa despite dominating possession and chances, continuing a lack of ruthlessness that cost them the title last season. Arsenal needed a late Lisa Baum goal to edge past Brighton, while Manchester United lost 2-1 at home to a London City Lionesses side featuring new signings Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon, and West Ham were beaten 3-1 by Martin Ho's in-form Palace.