There was a huge shock in the Women’s Super League opening weekend as Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners against champions Chelsea.
Liverpool, who won WSL 2 last year, are now back in the top flight and have won the spectacular victory at Prenton Park.
It looked as though it would be a routine match for Emma Hayes’ side when Fran Kirby put them ahead with a penalty on three minutes.
But the Reds, who are managed by Matt Beard, rallied and levelled midway through the second half through Katie Stengel’s spot-kick.
In the 87th minute, the hosts were awarded their second penalty. Stengel made no mistake sending Zecira Musovic in the wrong direction.
The Reds’ win ended the Blues’ 13-game unbeaten streak, while Liverpool celebrated their return to the top-flight in front of a record 3,006 fans at Prenton Park.
Gilly Flaherty, a former Blues defender, got off to a bad start with her new team. She mistimed her clearance and instead made contact with Reiten to give her a penalty within the first minute.
Kirby took the initiative and converted Rachael’s goal within three minutes. This was her 29th goal in 31 Blues starts.
Emma Koivisto was able to equalize shortly after Musovic, the Chelsea keeper failed to grasp a Ceri Netherlands effort. The Finnish defender took advantage of the rebound and sent her attempt over the bar.
The defending champions won the opening exchanges. Lauren James (who earned her first England cap earlier that September) looked particularly bright down the right wing.
At the 20 minute mark, they looked to double their advantage when Kirby sent a long shot over the top to Kerr. Kerr easily fired past Laws 18 yards away but her volleyed attempt was instantly ruled outside.
Beard’s side were dealt a blow when Leanne Kiernan was forced off, supported by two staff, after she was brought down by Chelsea debutant Kadeisha Buchanan.
But Liverpool got the breakthrough they were looking for when Flaherty’s flick-on from a throw-in caught Millie Bright’s arm and was called for handball and Stengel coolly converted for her first WSL goal.
Buchanan followed Stengel down the right, and then into the area. Five minutes later, Buchanan brought her down with a sliding handle to get Stengel ready for her game-winning brace.
It was the culmination of a thrilling start for the 2022/23 seasons, which also saw Aston Villa win 4-3 over Manchester City.
Arsenal, who lost out by a point on the title last term, began the season on Friday night with a 4-0 defeat of Brighton.
Manchester United beat Reading with the same score, while Tottenham and West Ham won against Everton & Leicester, respectively.
