Player ratings as returning Reds stun WSL champions

Liverpool sprung the biggest shock of the opening weekend of the new WSL season, putting three-time back-to-back reigning champions Chelsea to the sword at Prenton Park.

All three goals came from the same penalty spot, with Fran Kirby converting almost immediately after the first kick-off, before Katie Stengel netted twice from 12 yards for Liverpool in the second half to complete an unexpected comeback.

Liverpool debutant Gilly Flaherty, once of Chelsea, had a nightmare start against her old team when she connected with Guro Reiten instead of the ball when attempting to clear… 58 seconds on the clock and a penalty for the Blues. Kirby subsequently did Rachael Laws with her eyes and calmly stroked the ball into the opposite corner from the spot.

Sam Kerr finished last season with two screamers and was only denied another stunner 20 minutes into this contest by a questionable offside flag after Kirby’s through ball. Erin Cuthbert also narrowly missed the target with a similar dipping half volley soon after.

It was a shame that Liverpool had gifted Chelsea the lead in such fashion because they did settle into a good rhythm and were even left ruing a decent early chance missed when new wing-back Emma Koivisto couldn’t direct a rebound at goal after a nervous parry from Zecira Musovic.

Chelsea put together a really good team move in the closing stages of the first half, but Liverpool’s determination to stay in the game was clear when Ceri Holland and Missy Bo Kearns both threw themselves in front of Kirby’s eventual shot.

Liverpool were dealt a major blow early in the second half when the hard working Leanne Kiernan was forced off through injury. But the Reds still refused to give in and were arguably worth the equaliser when it came. Flaherty, having giving away the earlier spot kick, won this one by flicking the ball that struck the outstretched arm of Millie Bright. Stengel converted well.

As the game reached the final 10 minutes, Liverpool were on an equal footing that would never have been expected given the gul in class at the start of the game. Substitute Megan Campbell’s long throws were causing problems and the second penalty was the result of Stengel’s driving run.

Kadeisha Buchanan couldn’t catch her and a hooked leg brought the American down before taking the ball. She dusted herself off and took it herself, showing ice cold composure to give Liverpool the lead and put the home crowd into dreamland.