Sam Kerr was absent due to injury for Chelsea’s season opener which they won 2-1 over Tottenham, while West Ham United’s Mackenzie Arnold saved a penalty in the opening weekend of the English Women’s Super League.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes had admitted in the lead-up to the game that Kerr was a “little bit behind” schedule after the World Cup where she battled a calf injury.
Hayes, however, confirmed after Sunday’s game that Kerr would be fit to face Man City next weekend.
Matildas goalkeeper Arnold pulled off a penalty save in the 50th minute from Chloe Kelly’s spotkick but the Hammers still lost 2-0 to Manchester City.
Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler both played full games as City while Arnold put in a full shift in goal for the Hammers, making some good saves.
Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley both put in full shifts as Arsenal started their new campaign with a 1-0 home loss to Liverpool.
Kyra Cooney-Cross made her Arsenal league debut as an 86th minute sub.
Charlize Rule made her WSL debut for Brighton & Hove Albion as a 75th minute substitute in 2-1 win away to Clare Wheeler‘s Everton.
The former Sydney FC midfielder joined the Seagulls in July on a long-term deal. Mackenzie Hawkesby was an unused sub for Brighton. Wheeler was an 85th minute sub for Everton.
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's our starting XI to face @EvertonWomen this afternoon in our @BarclaysWSL opener. 📝
📲 https://t.co/1JRqX8gtVj // #BHAFC 🖤💚 pic.twitter.com/1fLqC6lW03
— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) October 1, 2023
Courtney Nevin put in a full shift and got an assist as Leicester City won 4-2 at Bristol City on Sunday.
Nevin dished off the pass for Shannon O’Brien’s 49th minute goal at the near post to make it 2-1 for the Foxes.
In France’s Feminine Division, Ellie Carpenter played a full game as Olympique Lyon beat title rivals PSG 1-0 on the road. Clare Hunt didn’t play for PSG.
In Spain’s Primera Division Femenina, Hayley Raso made her maiden start, playing 61 minutes as Real Madrid beat Tenerife 2-0.
In Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, Clare Polkinghorne, Charlotte Grant and Katrina Gorry all put in full shifts as Vittsjo won 2-1 over Linkoping. Amy Sayer played a full game as Kristianstad drew 0-0 at Brommapojkarna.
In USA’s NWSL, Emily van Egmond played a full game as San Diego Wave defeated Portland Thorns 2-0 on the road.
