Summary

  • Reigning champions Chelsea win season opener against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge

  • Blues debutant Fishel headed in and James added second; Thomas pulled goal back after Musovic save

  • Arsenal suffer shock defeat against Liverpool in front of record WSL crowd

  • Wins for title challengers Man Utd and Man City

  • Brighton hold on to beat Everton and Leicester see off newly-promoted Bristol City

  1. Postpublished at 17:59 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Chance for Chelsea! Reiten gets in behind James and crosses but nobody is there.

  2. Postpublished at 17:57 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Drew Spence just went off to receive treatment but we are playing again.

    Still 0-0 it may be, but this is a good game.

  3. Postpublished at 17:56 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Guro Reiten's floated corner is met by Sjoeke Nusken, but Becky Spencer saves with ease.

  4. 'Not urgent enough from Chelsea'published at 17:53 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Helen Ward
    Former Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    Things are a little lackadaisical from Chelsea at the moment. It is not urgent enough.

    They are being too slow on the ball and allowing Tottenham to creep up and put them under pressure.

    That is credit to how Spurs are set up too, they aren't just going to sit back and wait for Chelsea to attack them, they want to get forward themselves.

    Hayes calls her players over for a tactical briefing on the touchline.Image source, Getty Images
  5. Postpublished at 17:53 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    There's so much space for Tottenham when they counter. Drew Spence turns and feeds Celin Bizet on the right, who looks for Thomas immediately.

    Chelsea need to be wary of that link-up.

  6. 'Vilahamn will be pleased with Spurs start'published at 17:50 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Helen Ward
    Former Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    I think the new Spurs manager, Robert Vilahamn will be please with how things have gone so far.

    There is no more daunting task than going away to Chelsea on the opening day of the season.

    They just need to keep things ticking over and get forward as and when they can.

    Vilahamn speaks to assitant Jepson on the touchline.Image source, Reuters
  7. Postpublished at 17:49 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Angharad James is down, both teams are just regrouping. Frantic start here.

  8. Postpublished at 17:48 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Martha Thomas is doing an excellent job up front for Spurs and they are beginning to find her.

    They sprung forward after Jess Carter lost the ball but couldn't quite get the shot away in time.

  9. 'Spurs need to keep finding Thomas'published at 17:43 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Helen Ward
    Former Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    That is exactly what Martha Thomas can do.

    She took the touch which got her beyond Millie Bright and perhaps a little far out to take on the shot.

    For a team missing Bethany England, Spurs will need to keep providing that assistance for Thomas.

    Bright and Thomas battle for the ball.Image source, Getty Images
  10. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 17:42 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    Are you kidding about the Lauren James boot to the face being accidental?!?!?!

    Zedd

    Lucky for Lauren James there’s no var else she’d be in trouble, did she not learn anything at the World Cup?

    Richard

  11. CLOSE!published at 17:42 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Lauren James finds space again just outside the area and hits one just over.

    Spurs have got to close her down.

  12. Postpublished at 17:41 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    First chance for Spurs! Martha Thomas gets in behind Millie Bright but her shot is saved by Zecira Musovic.

  13. 'Hard to switch back from high of World Cup'published at 17:39 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Helen Ward
    Former Chelsea and Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    It is a difficult one when there is so many players away at the World Cup and not that many left here to do a full pre-season. The ones here would have got some good rest and a full preparation period.

    For those that were away it is hard to go from the high of the World Cup to back down to earth of the day to day at club, especially with the emotions involved at whatever stage they went to with their countries.

    I'm sure the players are ready to go. They have put in the work in the weeks since they have returned and they will be prepared for today.

  14. Postpublished at 17:38 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Brilliant clearance off the line from the resulting corner by Molly Batrip! Jess Carter had flicked towards goal. Chelsea have made a good start here.

    Carter rises highest in the box to flick a header towards goal.Image source, Reuters
  15. Postpublished at 17:36 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Becky Spencer gets down well to save from Lauren James, who had far too much space outside the area to fire at goal.

  16. Postpublished at 17:35 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    Olga Ahtinen had to go off to receive treatment after a clash with Lauren James.

    It looked accidental. We are back underway again.

  17. KICK-OFFpublished at 17:31 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham

    The fans applaud the taking of the knee and Tottenham kick us off.

  18. Postpublished at 17:29 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea v Tottenham (17:30 BST)

    The minute's silence for Maddy Cusack has been observed impeccably.

    Players observe a moment's silence for the late Maddy Cusack.Image source, Getty Images
  19. 'Tottenham have invested'published at 17:27 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea v Tottenham (17:30 BST)

    Helen Ward
    Former Chelsea and Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    You've got the big four who will be looking to compete but Tottenham have also invested, they've got a new manager.

    So many clubs are willing to invest in their women's team and we've seen some massive signings in the WSL so I'm really excited.

    Tottenham players warm up at Stamford Bridge.Image source, Getty Images
  20. 'Really exciting for Chelsea'published at 17:25 British Summer Time 1 October 2023

    Chelsea v Tottenham (17:30 BST)

    Helen Ward
    Former Chelsea and Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    I think the fact Chelsea have won the last four WSL titles, they are the most successful, with a manager like Emma Hayes who will never settle for what she's got, it looks like a really exciting season for them again.

    Chelsea players warm up at Stamford Bridge.Image source, Getty Images