She Shoots, She Scores

Opening weekend for the WSL has been and gone, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from their team this season. With thrilling derbies, dramatic comebacks and last minute winners, the opening weekend had it all. There were amazing performances all round, however some players in particular stood out in their opening games. From star new signings to club veterans, here are some of the key players to keep an eye on as the season progresses:

Olivia Smith

After becoming the first female player to cost £1 million for a transfer, Olivia Smith had high expectations placed on her shoulders ahead of her first appearance for the Arsenal. The Canadian lived up to her price tag when she struck an incredible shot from outside the box to level her team back from behind, scoring the Gunners first goal of the season and setting them up to win the game 4-1. The wonder goal earned her the title of Player of the Match and the hearts of all fans, who are excited to see what else is to come from their star signing.

Ornella Vignola

The Spanish Under 23 forward joined the Toffees over the summer from Liga F side Granada, and was quick to make an impact in their opening derby against Liverpool. After falling 1-0 behind, Vignola went on to score a debut hat trick, only the second player ever to do so in the WSL and the only Everton player (male or female) to ever achieve the feat, to help her team comeback and win 4-1 against their Merseyside rivals. One of nine new additions to the side, Vignola highlights the skill and commitment the team has to progress up the table this season, and we can hope to expect more excitement and skill to come.

Katie Reid

It’s easy to have written Katie Reid’s performance off on Saturday, after a mistimed tackled led to a penalty being given to the opposition team. But at just 18 years old, the Arsenal Academy graduate played a full 90 minutes in front of 38,000 fans at their newly appointed home ground of Emirates Stadium, stepping in for Vice Captain Leah Williamson, who is currently sidelined after picking up a knee injury at the Euros. Despite her mistake, Reid displayed mounds of skill and incredible footwork, playing her part in keeping London City from scoring any further goals. After supporting the team last season to their Champions League glory, and stepping up as she did this weekend, it’s clear that the youngster has a bright future and career ahead of her.

Melvine Malard

United were the first to sit top the table after winning 4-0 against Leicester City, two of which were scored by their very own number. 9, Melvine Malard. The French international joined the Red Devils in 2024 from French side Lyon, having helped the side to win four Champions League titles while there, and scored 4 goals in 17 appearances last season. Already halfway to matching that target and having played a crucial role in their opening weekend win, Malard stands out as a player with an exciting season ahead of her.

Ellie Carpenter

There’s a reason why Ellie Carpenter is regarded as one of the best right backs in the game, and she proved it with her WSL debut for six-time consecutive champions Chelsea. The 25 year old already holds an impressive resume, having made her professional debut at just 15 for club and country, playing at three Olympic Games and winning two Champions League titles with Lyon. With incredible speed for the full 90 minutes, Carpenter was all over the pitch and provided the assist for the first goal of the season, earning her the title of Player of the Match. The Australian promises to be an exciting and key player in Chelsea’s title campaign.

Beth Mead

Despite playing a key role in Arsenal’s Champions League victory, Beth Mead’s future at the club was uncertain going into the summer transfer window, with rumours coming from the NSWL, followed by an offer from new rival team London City Lionesses. However, manager Reneé Slegers decided that Beth Mead was a valuable member of the team, and turned down the chance to sell the forward, despite having just one year left on her contract. Mead came on as a sub in the opening fixture, and quickly proved why she belongs in an Arsenal shirt, assisting two goals within ten minutes of coming on, and within three minutes of each other. Proving doubters wrong time and time again, there’s no one quite like Beth Mead.