Khadija Shaw scored twice as Manchester City Women started their Women's Super League title defence with a 3-1 victory over Birmingham. The champions, who finished the 2025 season four points clear of Arsenal W, showed their attacking strength in the season opener.
Mary Fowler broke the deadlock just four minutes after the interval, setting the tone for a dominant second-half display. Shaw then took over, finding the net twice to secure the three points. Birmingham's Oceane Hurtre scored a late consolation goal in the final minute, but it did little to dampen City's strong start. The Independent Football reported on the match, which saw the defending champions pick up where they left off after an 18-win campaign last term.
How did Manchester City Women control the game?
Gareth Taylor's side demonstrated the form that earned them the 2025 championship, finishing that season with 55 points from 22 games. They patiently broke down a resilient Birmingham defence. The opening goal from Mary Fowler immediately after half-time changed the dynamic of the contest. Once ahead, City's quality shone through, with Shaw's clinical finishing proving decisive. The team's overall record of scoring 62 goals last season while conceding only 19 was a platform they built upon in this first match.
What impact did Khadija Shaw have?
The Jamaican striker, who won the Golden Boot last season, was central to the victory. Her two second-half goals showed the predatory instincts that make her one of the league's most feared forwards. "I'm delighted to get two goals and help the team win," Shaw said after the match. Her performance underlined why she is such a key figure in City's attack. Supporters can track her and the team's progress throughout the season on our dedicated stats page.
What happened elsewhere in the WSL?
While City were securing their win, the opening weekend provided plenty of drama across the league. Arsenal, the team City edged out for the 2025 title, began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Brighton thanks to a debut goal from 19-year-old Lisa Baum. "It was a great feeling to score on my debut," Baum remarked. Liverpool thrashed Charlton 4-0, with Grace Fisk scoring twice and Vivien Endemann and Cornelia Kapocs also on target. Kirsty Hanson marked her Tottenham debut with a double in a 3-1 win over West Ham, who got a stoppage-time consolation from Viviane Asseyi. Newly promoted Crystal Palace enjoyed a perfect return to the top flight, beating Everton 1-0 at Borough Sports Ground through Lexi Lloyd-Smith's solitary goal.
What's next for Manchester City Women?
The victory provides an ideal foundation for City as they aim to retain their crown. The squad, detailed on our squad page, will look to maintain momentum. Their next challenge is to build on this performance and establish an early lead in the standings. The team's recent form of WWLWW at the end of last season has now been extended with this positive start. Their next fixture is a key test in the early phase of the season.
