Birmingham City Women are quick out of the blocks this season!

Their first goal of the new campaign comes in the very first minute with Charlie Wellings slotting home from Ellen White's pass.

Image source, FA/Wonderhatch/Jon Super

Despite Niamh Fahey's best efforts, Liverpool surrender a corner as Beth Mead's delivery cannons off Fahey's outstretched leg.

It comes to nothing, though: the only real criticism you could level at Arsenal today is that their set-pieces have left a lot to be desired.

First real foray from either side in this game comes from Man City with Georgia Stanway finding space on the right-hand side.

Bit of a tame shot which Chelsea keeper Hedvig Lindahl clings on to despite a slight alarm that she might have spilled it through her legs.

Beth Mead powers through the Liverpool backline and persists tirelessly to keep Arsenal's latest move alive, for all Neil Redfearn's side eventually deal with the danger.

Liverpool have looked better since the break but are still to muster a real goalscoring opportunity in this half.

It also still feels, albeit to a lesser degree than the first half, like a relentless balance of attack versus defence, and some of this Liverpool defending is death-defying.

And we're off at Kingsmeadow!

Chelsea in dark blue and Man City in light blue with the sun still shining as the groundsmen finally switch off the sprinklers just in time for kick-off....

First Arsenal sub of the day, as Lisa Evans is replaced by Jessica Samuelsson.

Liverpool have imposed themselves on this game a little more, but right before the substitution, Niamh Fahey must spring into action with a tactical foul to keep the score at four.

Here's a very special good luck message for the Chelsea Women's side, from men's boss Maurizio Sarri no less!

BBC Radio 5 live

Tune into BBC Radio 5 live now for full match commentary of this WSL match at Kingsmeadow.

Vicki Sparks and Kelly Smith are in the commentary box to talk you through the meeting of these two.

Reading Women finished fourth in WSL last season, exceeding many expectations.

Manager Kelly Chambers is hoping the Royals can emulate their success from last season in this new campaign despite the loss of players such as England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

Jack Winstanley caught up with the squad before their season-opener against Yeovil.

Jordan Nobbs makes an inviting run and swivels to unleash Daniëlle van de Donk, who picks out Vivianne Miedema inside the area.

Sophie Bradley-Auckland's last-ditch tackle saves what's left of Liverpool's bacon - and dignity - as Arsenal begin to pick up from where they left off.

It's all the same tropes that dominated the first half: mazy passing moves but preventable, otherwise unimpressive, shots.

Image source, FA/Wonderhatch/Kate Green

Image source, Rex Features

As mentioned earlier, Karen Carney captains Chelsea for the first time having been appointed in the role last week.

"It's a huge honour and when you get an opportunity to captain a club like Chelsea, you don't turn it down," she said.

Carney, 31, has previous captaincy experience at former club Birmingham City and admitted Chelsea manager Emma Hayes was instrumental in convincing her to take the armband.

"She gets heavily involved in stuff like that Emma and from working with her previously, she's looked at me to take on that role and I hope to use my experience as much as I can."

Image source, Getty Images

Nick Cushing had to grin and bear it last season as he saw Chelsea pip his side to the WSL title.

This season, the Man City Women boss is determined to regain the trophy and do everything he can to make it happen.

“Last season we were maybe not too far off - we lost league with two games to go," he said.

“I put myself under pressure and I put a demand on the team and myself.

"We have an opportunity here and we want to win. It’s hard to be competitive in all four competitions.

“The pressure comes from me.”

Laura Coombs' driven ball powers into the path of Niamh Charles down the left wing, and she gobbles up the yards with glee until Dominique Bloodworth makes the decisive interception just outside the box.

Arsenal have looked a little lacklustre here as Liverpool have found a foothold for the first time.

Right on cue, though, Jordan Nobbs has a go at the other end - but Anke Preuss collects with little difficulty.

Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes, who gave birth to a baby boy in May, says being a new mum has made her "more direct" as a boss.

Hear from Hayes herself and some of her squad as they get ready for the challenge of Man City this afternoon.

Vivianne Miedma has been the star turn for Arsenal this afternoon, scoring twice and setting up their other two goals.

Here is how the Netherlands international striker claimed her second - and it wasn't the prettiest finish!

Can't be the most comforting sight for Liverpool fans: 12 new faces in their squad during the summer, and they're 4-0 down in their WSL opener.

Still, they've managed to thread the ball to Jess Clarke, who battles diligently to hold the ball up before ushering it back to enable Liverpool to build from the base of midfield.

This is their first real spell of sustained possession, but Rinsola Babajide's shot from the edge of the box is a weak one that loops up easily for Arsenal to clear.

Neil Redfearn's side have looked far more composed and organised in this half so far, but you might argue Arsenal have taken their foot off the gas.

Image source, FA/Wonderhatch/Kate Green

With the second half just under way, here's a reminder of how Kim Little made it 3-0 just at a time when Liverpool were threatening to get back into the match.

Katie McCabe is fine to carry on - probably just a bit of whiplash from a back-to-back collision with Rinsola Babajide.

McCabe is pounding down the left again in a half Liverpool have started on the front foot: they've been compact and harder to break down, though we're only five minutes into this half.

Katie McCabe has taken a knock for Arsenal and is down receiving treatment...

This could be a concern for an Arsenal squad short on depth - they have just 15 players on their books.

Back under way at Boreham Wood in as the teams come out for the second half.

The reformed WSL has been launched on the BBC with The Greatest Showman's opening number soundtracking the advertisement for it, and they played that at half-time.

This is of great significance because there was once a period in my life where I saw that film three times in a two-week spell.

Anyway, Neil Redfearn has taken off Leandra Little for Rinsola Babajide and matched Arsenal's 3-5-2 as his side look to get back into this.