Liverpool and Everton Clash in WSL Season Opener
The Women’s Super League has kicked off its new season with a bang, and one of the biggest talking points is the Merseyside derby at Anfield — Liverpool against Everton. It is not just a match; it is a curtain-raiser filled with storylines, changes, and plenty of anticipation.
For Liverpool, this game has marked the start of a new era under their recently appointed head coach, Gareth Taylor. After leaving Manchester City, Taylor has stepped into the Reds’ dugout with the expectation of giving the team a clear identity and hopefully restoring some of the glory days. Liverpool were once back-to-back champions in 2013 and 2014, but in the years since, they’ve slipped down the table and struggled to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal. Last season they finished seventh, and the target this year is clear: build consistency and push towards the top again.
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The squad itself has seen some changes. Lily Woodham made her debut at Anfield today, slotting into defense, while Faye Kirby started between the posts. Summer signings like Kirsty Maclean, Beata Olsson, and Risa Shimizu began on the bench, ready to make an impact later on. But one key question has lingered over the club all summer: how do they replace Olivia Smith? Sold for a world-record £1 million fee, her departure left a gap in creativity and attacking output, and so far, a like-for-like replacement has not arrived. That uncertainty has left fans wondering where the goals will come from.
Everton, on the other hand, entered the match with their own challenges. Historically, they have struggled on the opening day of WSL campaigns, recording more defeats in season openers than any other side. Yet, they arrived at Anfield with an impressive away record, having won their last four games at this famous ground. That clash of records gave the derby an extra layer of intrigue — would Liverpool’s ambition under new management shine through, or would Everton’s knack for spoiling their rivals’ home day continue?
The early stages of the match reflected the intensity of the rivalry. Liverpool came out with a direct and energetic approach, keen to move forward quickly and get the crowd behind them. Karen Bardsley, the former England goalkeeper watching from the stands, pointed out that Taylor’s side looked eager to test Everton’s defense. At the same time, Everton attempted to unsettle Liverpool with a clever mind game before kick-off — they switched ends so the Reds would be forced to attack the famous Kop end in the first half rather than the second, where they usually prefer to finish games.
All across the WSL, matches were being played simultaneously — Manchester United against Leicester, Brighton against Aston Villa, and Tottenham against West Ham — but all eyes were on Anfield. The sound of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” rang out before kick-off, setting the stage for what felt like more than just another league game.
This match has symbolized more than points on the board. It has been about statements, identity, and momentum at the very start of the season. Whether Liverpool can grow under Taylor’s leadership and whether Everton can build consistency remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: women’s football is starting this campaign with drama, passion, and a derby that shows exactly why the WSL is becoming such a powerful spectacle.
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