Manchester City commenced their Women's Super League title defence with a 3-1 win against promoted Birmingham, with Khadija Shaw scoring twice in the second half. Mary Fowler opened the scoring for City four minutes after the break, before Shaw headed home two corners. Oceane Hurtre scored a late consolation goal for Birmingham.
Elsewhere on the opening weekend, Arsenal triumphed 1-0 at Brighton, with Lisa Baum scoring a solo effort in the 10th minute of her debut. Liverpool secured a comfortable 4-0 victory at newly-promoted Charlton, thanks to a brace from Grace Fisk, a goal from Vivien Endemann, and a stoppage-time penalty from Cornelia Kapocs.
New Tottenham signing Kirsty Hanson also scored twice on her debut, helping her team to a 3-1 win over West Ham. Signe Gaupset had put Tottenham ahead, while Viviane Asseyi registered a consolation for the Hammers. Promoted Crystal Palace also made a winning start in the top flight, beating Everton 1-0 with a first-half strike from Lexi Lloyd-Smith.