Fresh coverage from the Women's Super League's opening weekend shows the picture was wider than first reported, with shock results for two of the traditional "big three" clubs. Manchester United suffered a surprise 2-1 home defeat by newly promoted London City Lionesses, whose star signings Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon impressed on debut, while bookmakers' favourites Arsenal needed a late strike from teenage debutant Lisa Baum to edge past Brighton 1-0. These results, alongside Chelsea's stumble, suggest this season's title race looks far more open than last year's.

Manchester City remain the pace-setters after their 3-1 win over Birmingham City, but champions Chelsea were held 1-1 by Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge despite dominating possession, managing 23 shots inside the box and hitting the crossbar, extending their known lack of ruthlessness from last season, when they slipped to third. Arsenal's win at Brighton, under new Albion boss Arturo Ruiz, was unconvincing given the hosts' resistance, while London City Lionesses' fluid 2-1 victory over Manchester United, backed by 60% possession, hinted they could challenge for a Champions League qualification spot despite a summer of major squad turnover.