Liverpool claim WSL opening day upset win over stunned Arsenal- 5 talking points

01 October 2023 , 15:03

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Miri Taylor celebrates after giving Liverpool the lead at the Emirates

Arsenal were stunned by a excellent Liverpool on the opening day of the WSL season as Miri Taylor's goal proved the difference in front of a WSL record crowd.

The title contenders controlled much of the game but were left frustrated by an inspired Rachael Laws in the visitors goal. And when Taylor finished off an excellent team move not long after half-time an upset was firmly on the cards.

Arsenal - backed by a league record attendance of 54,115 at the Emirates - went close on a number of occasions with Frida Maanum and Lotte Wubben-Moy forcing outstanding saves from Laws. Caitlin Foord also hit the crossbar as the hosts applied late pressure.

But they couldn't find the breakthrough needed, with Taylor's goal proving decisive, as Jonas Eidevall's team endured another early season blow after their Champions League qualifying exit last month. Here are the big talking points from the Emirates.

1. Liverpool produce counterattacking masterclass

Liverpool came into this game very much as second favourites having finished 24 points behind the hosts last term. But Matt Beard's team overcame a slow start, growing into the contest with the Reds creating a number of chances on the break. Missy Bo Kearns free-kick the closest either side came in the first half.

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And a fine performance was capped off by a flowing team move down the right wing that led to the crucial goal. Marie Hobinger combined with Bo Kearns, whose cutback was calmly converted by Taylor.

At that point the capacity crowd was stunned, while a pocked of travelling Liverpool fans in the far right corner celebrated almost as wildly as manager Beard. There were times in the game where they were up against it, and from nearly every corner it looked like Arsenal would find the net. But the Reds defended with their lives and were good value for their clean sheet.

2. Arsenal suffer early blow in title chase

Although eventual title winners Chelsea lost to Liverpool on the opening day of last season, today could prove an major early blow to Arsenal's ambitions of becoming league champions.

Dropped points against Man Utd at home and West Ham away proved to be their undoing last season. And they would have expected to beat a bottom-half team from last season at home to kickstart their new campaign.

Instead they served up a laboured performance. Chances did come, but for so long Arsenal played at a tempo that failed to excite the huge crowd. It also made defending much easier for the Liverpool back five, who negated Arsenal's creativity all afternoon.

Grace Fisk of Liverpool battles for possession with Frida Maanum of Arsenal during WSL clash

3. Record home crowd fails to get reward

Playing at the Emirates is becoming a regular occurrence for this Arsenal group. After some famous nights under the lights in their Champions League run and a record WSL crowd against Spurs last season, the Gunners are showing the way when it comes to playing in their main stadia.

The club have already signalled their intent to play at least five of their 11 league games at the Emirates this time around, in a big boost to the wider profile of the league. Today's crowd of 54,115 was a new WSL record attendance, an incredible feat for a club continuing to maximise the amount of fans they get through the door for women's football.

Arsenal had also set the record 12 months ago, for their North London derby with Tottenham and hopes will be high they can break it again between now and May. Walking up to the stadium from Highbury and Islington tube station, the number of men wearing Arsenal shirts with the names of 'Mead', 'Williamson', 'Wubben-Moy' and 'Foord' printed on the back was staggering. A real sign of progress in the stands.

Sadly the performance on the pitch didn't live up to the superb support in the stands. Nevertheless, the Gunners will be hopeful of seeing another big crowd here when they host Aston Villa in a fortnight.

Arsenal broke the WSL attendance record against Liverpool

4. Lionesses star gets home debut

Alessia Russo was in from the off to make her home debut for the Arsenal following her high profile summer switch from Man Utd. Russo had already endured a rollercoaster start to life in North London, having scored twice but missing during the penalty shootout of Arsenal's Champions League qualifying exit.

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Today was her first start at home and the England star was given a warm welcome by the Ashburton Grove faithful. But the forward struggled against a well-organised Liverpool defence, led by the outstanding Gemma Bonner.

Having played and scored for England in Tuesday night's defeat in the Netherlands, perhaps Russo was a little fatigued and the forward was later replaced by Stina Blackstenius. Russo still put herself about, but chances were at a premium and this is an afternoon she'll be keen to forget.

Alessia Russo was making her WSL debut for Arsenal

5. Mead not yet ready to return

Beth Mead was thought to be close to a return ahead of today's game. Earlier this week she confirmed she was back in full training, leading many to speculate on whether she could feature against the Reds in the league opener.

Instead the England star only travelled with the team, not even named on the bench by Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall. It was a surprise, particularly considering Mead was included in the matchday squad for Champions League ties last month.

Beth Mead of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium

Mead hasn't appeared on the pitch for over 10 months, injuring her ACL at the Emirates last November during a league clash with Man Utd. Based on today's evidence they need her back sooner rather the later.

Jack Lacey-Hatton