Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Anfield

Liverpool have started with so much intensity and are shooting towards the Kop.

Last season, it was Everton who started on the front foot but this has been a completely different story.

Arsenal

Returning Arsenal star Beth Mead, speaking to BBC Sport: "Pretty special. It's been obviously a long, tough injury but the fans here today were incredible. I got a bit emotional running on the pitch but amazing to be back, so amazing.

"That's what I'm here to do, help the team as best I can and I hoped I wasn't too rusty coming out today. I got myself an assist and Alessia's important goal so I'm happy with the job I've done."

On pushing on from her injury: "It's mentally and physically been torture throughout. It's been a long one. I've had amazing teammates, fans, family, everyone around me to get me through.

"That's why you play, to feel as special as this, especially at the Emirates it's the place where I did my ACL so it's nice to get this game out of the way and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."

Blimey!

Liverpool are all over Everton here. Ceri Holland wins the ball back in a dangerous area and fires a shot off.

It was hit with some power and just strikes the underside of the crossbar.

Let off for Everton.

So unlucky!

Liverpool looking really positive here as Taylor Hinds slots through for Missy Bo Kearns.

The local player has the ball in the back of the net and sends Anfield into a frenzy.

But the celebrations are halted as the flag goes up. It was a tight one.

What a dream that would've been for Liverpool-born Kearns.

Image source, get

Brighton captain Vicky Losada tries her luck from distance but that's an easy save for Spurs' keeper Becky Spencer.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Anfield

This is such a sad start to the match as Lucy Hope went down immediately in pain and can't walk.

She's helped off by two members of the medical staff and Everton boss Brian Sorensen has a frustrated look on his face.

They already have some key injuries and Hope is a leader in this Everton squad.

Image source, Reuters

Well, an already injury-hit Everton have been forced into an early change here as Lucy Hope is unable to continue.

The stretcher was on hand but Hope opted not to use it and has instead hobbled off. Clare Wheeler will replace her in midfield.

Image source, Getty Images

Oh dear. Straight away a problem for Lucy Hope.

Missy Bo Kearns nipped the ball away from her straight from the kick-off and Hope looks to be in some bother here with her left ankle.

Let's hope this is nothing serious.

Away we go then!

Liverpool get us underway in the Merseyside derby.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Anfield

Image source, BBC Sport

Hotel Anfield, a popular place for Liverpool supporters pre-match, was filling up nicely earlier.

The official supporters' club had planned entertainment there from midday today to build atmosphere before the derby.

Image source, BBC Sport

They were replaying highlights of previous Merseyside derbies at Anfield which is not the most enjoyable watch for Liverpool fans.

While they are used to success in the men's derbies, it is Everton who have had the upperhand here in the WSL.

Liverpool are yet to win a WSL derby at Anfield but there was a lot more confidence from supporters when I spoke to them earlier.

Two wins from their first two WSL games against top opposition has set Liverpool off to a fantastic start, while Everton have lost both.

Image source, BBC Sport

And that presentation is just taking place as an emotional Natasha Dowie takes the applause of the crowd and You'll Never Walk Alone rings around Anfield.

Image source, Getty Images

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Anfield

Image source, BBC Sport

There will be a presentation at Anfield today to celebrate the career of recently-retired striker Natasha Dowie.

The former England international played for both Merseyside clubs, winning the FA Cup with Everton and two WSL titles with Liverpool.

There is a mosiac display in the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand for Dowie, and her picture fronts the match programme.

She is a lifelong Reds fan though, and following her retirement, was named the club’s first female ambassador.

I spoke to her a few weeks ago and she said “nobody can take away” the “special” feelings she enjoyed while playing for Liverpool.

Dowie remains Liverpool’s all-time record goalscorer in the WSL with 47 goals during her two spells at the club.

I spotted her posing for a photo outside the Main Stand with partner Becky Easton, who also played for both clubs.

Read her interview with BBC Sport here.

Image source, BBC Sport

Spurs knocking on the door as they search for an equaliser.

Alessia Russo scores to complete an injury-time comeback for Arsenal as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the Women's Super League.

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It's certainly going to be an interesting Merseyside derby on a cool but sunny afternoon in Liverpool.

Everton have had the better of their neighbours in recent years but have lost both of their WSL matches so far this campaign.

By contrast, Liverpool have won both of theirs and, should they secure victory over the Blues, they will go top of the league this evening.

It's early days but what a start to the season for the Reds. Can Everton spoil the party at Anfield?

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal scored twice in injury time as England forward Beth Mead, playing her first game in 11 months after an anterior cruciate ligament injury, helped the Gunners grab a dramatic win over Aston Villa.

Read Michael Emons' report

Image source, Arsenal FC

Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward speaking to BBC Sport: "Massively proud, a resilient performance, tight-knit. I honestly couldn't be prouder of my players tonight. That group showed today exactly what they're on about."

On what went wrong to not hold on to the lead: "I won't talk about anything but pride for my players. 12 minutes added on is absolutely ludicrous but that's sadly the reality of the WSL and all football this year. My players were excellent today and if we carry on in this manner results will come."

On if there is a conversation to be had about officiating; "It's pointless talking about it. We get a phone call on Monday morning most weeks saying 'we're really sorry, we'll use it to guide officials'. I don't want to give them the limelight tonight. My players deserve that, they've been excellent. They deserve a lot of credit for the way they stuck together. Results will come with this group, I have no doubt about it."

On if there are positives to take for Aston Villa: "There was a lot we showed tonight that we asked for all week. They stood up, they were counted, they defended together. We'll be just fine if we continue in that manner."

Anita Asante
Former England defender on BBC One

In the end the energy, you could feel it in the crowd and Beth Mead had an impact.

The super sub came in and made a difference as did Stina Blackstenius as well and we saw the quality in the final third when they are clinical when they arrive into space as appose to waiting for the ball to enter areas of the box.

Arsenal

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo speaking to BBC One: "Absolutely buzzing! First goal but also the win here in front of our fans I think we really needed them today.

"They came out, they come out in full force every time. This league is tough you've got to dig deep to get results and we definitely did that today.

"We were resilient, I think we had to be. We all knew as a team moments and chances would come and we had to take them. We dug deep and got there in the end."

On having Beth Mead back on the pitch: "Absolutely buzzing, I think you can see by the reception here today, that's exactly how we feel as players. She's a top, top talent and it's exactly what you want coming back. She's so exciting and I can't wait to play with her.

"We've had a bit of a tough start but that's football. We've been working really hard as a team and I think we needed this today, a performance like we put on, we needed to dig deep and got the three points."

On her preferred role: "I just like to be on the ball I don' mind too much where it is. I try and create, I like to run in behind but I like to have the ball at my feet so just create and try and get in and around the goal as much as possible."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Anfield

Liverpool boss Matt Beard makes seven changes from Wednesday's cup defeat by Leicester City.

There's a debut for club record signing Sophie Roman Haug, who will play with a face mask after taking a hit on international duty last month.

Goalkeeper Rachael Laws returns, replacing summer signing Teagan Micah.

Liverpool academy graduate Missy Bo Kearns also starts, while the usual first team players return.

Liverpool XI: Laws, Koivisto, Clark, Fisk, Bonner, Hinds, Nagano, Holland, Hobinger, Kearns, Roman Haug.

Subs: Micah, Matthews, Parry, Taylor, Lundgaard, Lawley, Daniels, Flint, Enderby.

Brian Sorensen makes three changes to the Everton side who lost to Manchester City mid-week.

Summer signing Martina Piemonte has a knee ligament strain, while Elise Stenevik is out with calf injury.

Karen Holmgaard returns from injury to make the bench, while Katja Snoeijs is also a substitute in a welcome boost.

In comes Hanna Bennison, Lucy Hope and Heather Payne to the starting XI.

Everton XI: Brosnan, Veje, Bjorn, Vanhaevermaet, Bennison, Bissell, Sorensen, Hope, Payne, Finnigan, Galli.

Subs: Ramsey, Campbell, Wheeler, Duggan, Snoeijs, Holmgaard, Aherne, Olesen.