ARSENAL have made the worst possible start to the 2023/24 WSL season after suffering a shock defeat to Liverpool.
Miri Taylor put the Reds ahead just three minutes after the restart.
And the Gunners struggled to get past Liverpool’s low block which resulted in an opening day loss.
PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £50 in free bet builder bets
Follow all the action with our live blog below…
That’s all from the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal suffer a shock 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the WSL season.
But all is not lost Gooners, Matt Beard’s side defeated Chelsea on the first day of the 2022-23 campaign last season – and the Blues went on to win the league.
Will the Gunners bounce back like the Champions did? They face Manchester United on Friday in another huge test.
But until then, thanks for reading!
Jonas Eidevall reacts
The second half we struggled to generate momentum.”
“On Saturday we had our 10th training session with a full squad in four months. That’s where we’re at. We need to invest time in building relationships.
“We can’t really use that as an excuse because it is what it is.”
Jonas Eidevall
Matt Beard reacts
“It’s been a tough week. We just showed that togetherness today.
“Defensively we were outstanding today. We put our bodies on the line and made some great saves.
“Laws was excellent.”
Matt Beard
Match stats
Arsenal dominated for large periods of the game, but they failed to make the most of their chances.
New WSL record set
A new record attendance for the WSL was set this afternoon.
54,115 fans poured through the turnstiles of the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners fell to a shock defeat.
Credit: PA Full Time – Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool set up perfectly against the Gunners, and Jonas Eidevall’s side could not counter them.
Arsenal created chance after chance, but the Reds put on an outstanding defensive display to keep the home side at bay.
A frustrating day for the 50,000+ Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium.
Full Time – Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Not the opening day the Gunners would’ve wanted.
The visitors take all three points at the Emirates!
Credit: PA 90+4. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Arsenal are throwing absolutely everything at the Reds right now, with everyone except Zinsberger pushing forward.
They need a goal here, and fast.
90. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Holland goes to ground with a knock following a challenge on Foord, but she looks to play on.
10 minutes have been added on.
87. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Now Enderby is booked for time wasting for the Reds.
85. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Cooney-Cross is on to make her Arsenal debut!
She replaces Walti in midfield.
83. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Foord rattles the bar!
The winger looked to flick the ball towards goal following a Pelova cross, but her effort was just off target.
79. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Hinds is booked for time wasting while taking a throw-in.
Liverpool are set to make some changes.
Parry is on to replace Hinds.
Lundgaard is on to replace Kearns.
77. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Another huge chance for Arsenal as Walti sends an excellent pass through to Blackstenius, but Laws comes out to claim the ball.
The Gunners need to start taking their chances now.
The clock is ticking down.
74. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Hobinger is replaced by Enderby for Liverpool.
71. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Both teams are set to make a change.
Russo is replaced by Blackstenius for Arsenal.
Liverpool are taking about five minutes to make theirs.
70. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
A new WSL record has been set!
54,115 fans are in attendance at the Emirates Stadium today – the largest ever crowd at a league match!
67. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool make a change now.
Flint is on to replace Taylor.
66. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Another goal-line scramble sees Russo accidentally block Beattie’s close-range shot!
Surely a goal is coming for the Gunners!
64. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Arsenal make three changes.
Lacasse is replaced by Pelova.
Maanum is replaced by Hurtig.
Wubben-Moy is replaced by Ilestedt.
61. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Walti splits the Liverpool defence with an excellent pass through to McCabe, who looks to square the ball across goal, but it is cleared behind for a corner.
Maanum then sends the corner into the box as Russo goes for goal, but there is a scramble on the line and Liverpool can make the clearance.
56. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
Arsenal are desperately trying to get back into this game.
Eidevall looks to be preparing some substitutions.
49. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
A lapse in concentration from the Arsenal defenders sees Liverpool take the lead!
Hobinger plays the ball to Kearns on the right, who squares it to Taylor in the box.
Taylor is then gifted plenty of space to take a shot as she fires the ball past Zinsberger.
The Arsenal goalkeeper could’ve arguably done a lot better to keep it out there, but Liverpool have a shock advantage!
48. GOOOAAAAAALLLLLL LIVERPOOL!!!!!
Taylor fires the visitors into the lead!
Kick Off – Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
We’re back underway in North London!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
