The Emirates saw a shared outcome as Arsenal led but then conceded to draw 2-2 with Manchester City, a result that fairly mirrored the game's profligate nature from both sides. However, the main focus was on Vivianne Miedema's return to her former stomping ground of seven years. Gareth Taylor, City's head coach, noted the forward's discomfort post-match, especially after she scored to level the game at 1-1. "I could tell this was one fixture she just wasn't comfortable with, and I can understand why," Taylor said. "It's tough to go back to your former club, especially one where you've been for so long." Miedema, who didn't want to leave Arsenal, received a warm welcome from the 41,818 crowd. Subbed off in the second half, she was given a standing ovation, despite City leading 2-1. By the final whistle, she was applauded again.
Travelling to face Manchester United in the WSL has never been a pleasant experience for West Ham. After their 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, they now have five losses, no goals scored, and 17 conceded in five away fixtures against United. The home side had a solid start, with Brazil forward Geyse in good form and debutant midfielder Grace Clinton thriving. However, the afternoon was particularly poignant for Clinton's England and Manchester United teammate Ella Toone, who played for the first time since her father's death. There was a moving applause before kick-off in his memory, and United's head coach, Marc Skinner, praised Toone's bravery. "Everyone's here to support her," Skinner said. "It's a horrible thing to happen, but we're here to show love, care, and support for an iconic player."
Brighton's Kiko Seike made history by scoring the first hat-trick on her Women's Super League debut, helping the Seagulls to a 4-0 victory over Everton. The Japan international's player-of-the-match performance was a constant threat down the right, and she showed a promising partnership with Fran Kirby. Brighton's victory showcased their attacking potential, especially considering their starting lineup didn't feature deadline-day signings Nikita Parris and Michelle Agyemang, who appeared as second-half substitutes. Everton's early troubles were compounded when stalwart Aurora Galli suffered a knee injury that could be serious.
Liverpool's Matt Beard was visibly frustrated after a scrappy 1-1 draw with Leicester City. Sophie Román Haug opened the scoring with a header close to half-time, but Jutta Rantala equalized in the 53rd minute. Beard's post-match assessment was blunt, calling the performance "sloppy" and noting missed opportunities. "We should have been out of sight in the first half," he said. "We missed some clear chances and could have ended the game early. Every time they stayed in it, it gave them confidence to try and get something out of the game. I think it's definitely two points dropped."
Sonia Bompastor emphasized the importance of getting the job done after Chelsea's 1-0 win over Aston Villa. "Starting with a win is always important, especially in the first game at Kingsmeadow with the fans," she said. "It will boost confidence for the players and the team. We know we could have been better in some parts of the game, and we need to give credit to Aston Villa." Villa impressed, particularly in the second half against an attack-heavy Chelsea. Robert de Pauw, Villa's manager, noted, "If you can force the champions this way, it shows our strength this season." The match highlighted that Chelsea can be tested, and Villa could pose a real challenge to the top teams.
Hayley Raso marked her return to the WSL with a debut goal for Tottenham against Crystal Palace. The former Manchester City star made her mark in just 20 minutes with a skillful run and composed strike. It was Raso's first league goal in 693 days, the last coming against Liverpool in October 2022. Spurs manager Robert Vilahamn praised her performance, saying, "From minute one, she was a threat and it was nice to see her play so well."
