Women’s Super League Team in Round 1 – 2024/25

The Barclays Women’s Super League returned last weekend with the highly anticipated 2024/25 season now in full swing.

We got to watch six games over three days, culminating with a blockbuster clash between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

The games marked the beginning of a new era for many clubs, with Chelsea, Brighton and Aston Villa all having new managers, while Crystal Palace made their WSL debut after being promoted from the Women’s Championship last season.

We also saw a whole host of talented new players on the pitch after a very busy summer transfer window that saw a number of new players join the WSL.

Results:

On 90 minutesWe’ve analysed each team’s performance and created our most impressive starting XI.

Goalie

Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)

Although Chelsea picked up their first three points of the new season at Kingsmeadow, it was not an easy 90 minutes.

Aston Villa looked a threat until the final whistle, with goalkeeper Hampton playing a key role in the club keeping a clean sheet.

She managed to prevent the ball from entering the net at a time when her team was under enormous pressure.

Defenders

Alex Greenwood (Man City), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) and Taylor Hinds (Liverpool)

New Man City captain Alex Greenwood was outstanding in defence against Arsenal at the weekend. Although her team conceded two goals, it could have been more had they not been at their best.

One of Chelsea’s many new recruits this summer, Lucy Bronze was also named in manager Sonia Bompastor’s starting XI for the opening match against Aston Villa. The news of her arrival in London from Barcelona was exciting enough, but it was even better to see how quickly she has gelled with the rest of the squad.

Arsenal’s Jonas Eidevall gave Lotte Wubben-Moy the green light to defend after Leah Williamson was ruled out due to concussion protocol. As usual, the England international looked comfortable and was able to keep City’s dangerous attacking line at bay on numerous occasions.

Taylor Hinds captained Liverpool in their opening match against Leicester, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, the 25-year-old remained calm and composed, proving she has the ability not only to put in an impressive performance but also to lead the team. The match also marked the debuts of summer signings Gemma Evans and Olivia Smith.

Helpers

Jess Park (Man City), Grace Clinton (Man Utd), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal) and Drew Spence (Spurs)

Drew Spence, Jess Park and Grace Clinton all scored goals for their clubs this weekend.

Park played a key role in Manchester City taking a 2-1 lead over Arsenal in the second half, before Beth Mead equalised in the 81st minute.

Clinton celebrated her return to Old Trafford with a goal after spending last season on loan at Tottenham. The 21-year-old’s improvement during her time in north London was on full display against West Ham, confirming why Marc Skinner was adamant about keeping her.

Spence also scored in Spurs’ 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. However, despite not scoring in the first leg at the Emirates, Mariona Caldentey proved why she is a force to be reckoned with at Arsenal and we certainly can’t wait to see what magic she creates as the season progresses.

Forward

Kiko Seike made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick on his WSL debut.

The striker netted three times in the Seagulls’ opening game of the season against Everton at Broadfield Stadium, with debutant Fran Kirby also scoring a penalty.

Elsewhere, Vivianne Miedema scored against former club Arsenal as a Cityzen, working closely with teammate Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw in the Emirates attack, leaving us all very excited about what this forward line will be capable of achieving this season.