Women's Super League

Image source, Getty Images

Head coach Brian Sorensen praised new signing Ornella Vignola for her "perfect start" in an Everton shirt.

The 20-year-old scored a hat-trick on debut at Anfield in the Merseyside derby as Everton kickstarted their season with a 4-1 win.

One of nine additions to Everton's squad over the summer, Sorensen said he is happy to have a selection "headache every weekend".

"We need to be patient and see how she's going to learn the league, how defenders are, and grow into it, [but] it was a perfect start for her," Sorensen said.

"One of the reasons I started her is because I saw her in training – she's sharp, she's good. Also, Toni [Payne] and Kelly [Gago] came in later [from international duty], so they didn't have as many minutes behind them.

"We played with two strikers, and we have four very good strikers. I have a headache every weekend, which is good, but also means we can play different players that ask different questions."

Sunday's fixture against Tottenham is more than just the first home game of the season for Everton. It is their first game at Goodison Park since it became their permanent home.

But while Sorensen described the stadium as a "magic place" and said he and the players "can't get enough of being here", he's trying not to be overawed by the occasion.

"I'm just looking forward to after 90 minutes when it says, 'three points Everton'. Then I'm happy," he said.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has indicated there is more to come from summer signing Olivia Smith, stating she sees "so much potential" in the Canadian forward.

The 21-year-old hit the headlines this summer following her high-profile £1m move from Liverpool.

Smith played down her transfer in pre-season, saying "the price tag's a price tag", but wasted little time in silencing any potential doubters, scoring a stunning long-range effort against London City Lionesses just 29 minutes into her Arsenal debut.

"I was already impressed before we signed her," Slegers said. "Coming from Canada, the USA, and Portugal, and one season in the WSL and making such an impact for Liverpool.

"I was really impressed with her and she adds new things to our game with the type of player she is. We're really happy with what she's bringing to us [but] she's also very young, so it's important that we support her really well.

"We see so much potential and she's already contributing a lot – you saw that last Saturday."

While acknowledging Smith is a "really good addition" for Arsenal, Slegers disagreed with the suggestion that she is the missing piece of the puzzle in helping the club close the gap to Chelsea, instead highlighting the quality and depth throughout the squad.

"What we want to do is build so many layers in our game that we can bring to a game whatever is asked of us. We're really close to that now," she said. "I'm happy with the squad and there's competition in all positions. We're going to need everyone as there's a lot of games to play this season."

Slegers also provided an update on Leah Williamson, who is expected to be out for several weeks due to a knee injury she suffered in the Euro 2025 final: "She's doing well. When you're rehabbing, you have to do what you can every single day and get one step closer to the pitch. She's positive and working hard."

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor says the high-profile incomings to the Women's Super League this summer "shows the way the women's game is going".

Newly promoted London City Lionesses announced the signing of France midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris St-Germain while Chelsea brought in exciting USA forward Alyssa Thompson.

"It shows the way the women's game is going. We were involved in a high-profile deal here with a player [Olivia Smith] leaving the club. I think it's the sign of the times and the way the game is going.

"There's more investment going into the game. Player salaries and fees are going up naturally as well.

"Does it make my job more difficult? Potentially. What we're trying to do at Liverpool is build in a steady and constructive way.

"That's not to say others aren't doing that. They are a bit more ahead of where we are and where we want to get to but that's the exciting part seeing that vision and the opportunity to take it there."

Former Manchester City boss Taylor took over at Liverpool on 8 August - missing a chunk of the transfer window.

Despite losing Olivia Smith to Arsenal, Taylor says he is "fairly satisfied" with the work the club have done in the window.

"We were active while I was not in post," Taylor added. "We contacted players and players coming to the club in that period were key.

"We could have done with more at the top end of the pitch. But it's tough in the last two weeks of the season. Overall, we're fairly satisfied."

Taylor will lead Liverpool into their opening match of the WSL season on Sunday when they take on Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield.