Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Late comeback spoils Chelsea's title defence opener

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said her side "couldn't hit a barn door" as the defence of their Women's Super League title got off to the worst start with defeat at newly promoted Liverpool.

Liverpool striker Katie Stengel scored two penalties in the second half to send a record crowd at Prenton Park into a frenzy.

Fran Kirby had given Chelsea the lead within three minutes of kick-off from the penalty spot before the hosts mounted a stunning comeback.

"They scored from a throw-in which was a penalty and a transition which was another penalty," said Hayes.

"It's not like in open play they've had lots of shots; they've just maximised the situations and for us going forwards I don't think we could hit a barn door today."

Chelsea are bidding to win a fourth successive WSL title this season, while two-time champions Liverpool are back in the top flight after a two-year absence.

Matt Beard's side were made to work hard for their victory but Stengel's double was cheered deliriously by the 3,006 in attendance at Prenton Park - the most for a Liverpool women's game.

"Going forwards we weren't good enough. Even at the end, the crosses into the box, nothing went where it was supposed to go," added Hayes.

"Sometimes we always want to win things by bigger margins rather than follow the process, keep passing the football.

"I've been here before and we just chalk it off and go again."

Chelsea seemed to be in good fortune when Liverpool debutant Gilly Flaherty clipped Guro Reiten in the box to give away a penalty in less than 60 seconds.

Kirby kept her cool and Chelsea began to dominate possession, though Liverpool carried a threat in attack.

Leanne Kiernan hit the post but was offside in the first half, while new signing Emma Koivisto poked a rebound over the bar from a few yards out.

But Chelsea appeared in control as Sam Kerr won countless headers in the final third and the movement of the Blues' midfield caused problems.

Kerr had a goal disallowed for offside when she thumped in a half-volley from the edge of the box before Scotland international Erin Cuthbert struck an effort inches wide.

Emma Hayes' side started where they left off after the break, but Millie Bright was penalised harshly for a handball in the box before Chelsea's new signing Kadeisha Buchanan gave away a foul for a second Liverpool penalty in 20 minutes.

It was the perfect way for Liverpool to mark their return to the WSL under manager Beard, who guided them to back-to-back titles the last time he was in charge in this league.

"There shouldn't be any hesitancy anymore. We should be in a position where we know we can compete at this level," said Beard.

"We frustrated Chelsea, one of the best teams in club football."

Stengel delivers as Chelsea stutter

Liverpool's return to the top flight was witnessed by a record crowd of 3,006 at Prenton Park

Chelsea's defeat came on a day when Aston Villa beat Manchester City 4-3 at Villa Park, making for an explosive start to the WSL season.

The visitors were full of creativity and movement but lacked a ruthless edge in the final third - harmed by the late withdrawal of forward Pernille Harder who sustained a slight niggle in the warm-up.

Liverpool took time to settle into the game as the intensity of Chelsea's switch of play and fluidity in midfield caused problems.

But as the game wore on and Beard had gathered his players in at half-time, Liverpool started to find confidence and played more on the front foot in the second half.

Stengel, who scored on her home debut for Liverpool last season, stepped up impressively to put away both penalties in front of the Kop to mark a superb WSL debut.

It was a marker of Liverpool's intent this season as they hope to do more than just consolidate a place in the league.

"It's stupid to ever say you just want to stay in the league. We're here to compete, we're not just here to survive," said Stengel.

"Let's make a run for it. We're in the league to win each game. We won't go into any game just wanting to be here and be happy.

"We want to stay humble, confident and believe in ourselves so we can grow throughout the season. Let's finish as high as we can."