Last update on. From the section Women's Football
The WSL season opened with no draws
This weekend saw a flurry of activity in the Women's Super League season. But what were the key points?
Four of the six fixtures were held at men's venues in front of larger crowds than usual. The weekend also marked the start of a three-year broadcast agreement, which meant that matches were broadcast live on Sky Sports TV and BBC TV for the first ever time in competition history.
How important was TV coverage?
The season started at Leigh Sports Village, with Manchester United's win over Reading being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Karen Carney, a former England international, and Casey Stoney gave an in-depth review of the familiar touch screen.
On Saturday, Everton's loss to Manchester City was broadcast live on BBC One. This made it the first ever free-to-air domestic women's league match.
With 11 goals in three broadcast matches and Sunday's match between Arsenal and Chelsea, the football delivered.
Rachel Brown-Finnis, ex-England goalkeeper, said that "the first weekend was electric." "We've had goals, mismatches and crowds... it couldn't be more.
"I'm so happy and proud. Women's football has come a long way since the time of our predecessors. It is a proud moment to see it now.
Football Focus' Rachel Yankey, a former England forward, said: "I hope the game really explodes now. All the young children who now can see women's soccer - I didn't know that there were female players when I was a kid. People can now see their dreams and they are able to realize it.
'Like being second-class citizens'
Brooke Chaplen (left) shot struck the underside crossbar. It appeared to go over, but it wasn't.
The TV coverage highlighted other areas where women's games need to be improved.
Discussions erupted after Reading failed to score despite Brooke Chaplen's attempt to cross the line. Replays revealed Beth Mead was not looking offside as she scored Arsenal's win over Chelsea.
Management team members Emma Hayes, Kelly Chambers, Marc Skinner and Kelly Chambers welcomed the introduction of more technology to the game.
"We all have become accustomed to VAR and goalline technology, so it is almost like we are second-class citizens if it is not in the women's games," stated Hayes, Chelsea boss.
Skinner said: "If technology can ever be used, I think that would make it brilliant." We need to do more to ensure that our game continues to grow.
"You are swept away by it"
Spurs won against Birmingham City with the support of about 5,000 people at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
A positive sign was the return of large crowds, with more than 8,000 people making the trip to Emirates Stadium Sunday.
Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal boss, said that football is all about emotions. His team beat Chelsea 3-2.
It's all about connecting people within the club, with the team, and to the fans. It's so hard work. If we don’t celebrate wins or scores, then what are we doing?
Skinner stated that he felt the Manchester United fans' "energy" and was "swept away by it".
However, Everton captain Danielle Turner feels they "possibly let down fans" after their loss to City at Goodison Park, 4-0. This was in front of nearly 6,000 supporters.
"They were really supportive of us right up until the end, even though we were behind. "We're disappointed we couldn't get the result for them," she said.
Did the occasion cause a distraction?
Manchester City beat Everton at Goodison Park.
Tottenham, Arsenal, and Brighton all won victories in their men’s stadiums. However Everton was heavily defeated by City at Goodison Park.
Manager Willie Kirk stated that he didn't know if the occasion was involved. We did freeze a bit.
"I felt goosebumps hearing the cheers and seeing the teams come out. Maybe if we had been away in the first match it would have been more enjoyable."
We will have a three-way race for the title?
Last season, Arsenal finished nine points behind champions Chelsea
Only Manchester City was able to challenge Chelsea for the title last season, but Arsenal are now poised to do the same after this summer's investment and the arrival Eidevall as their new boss.
This weekend's match against Chelsea was a great opportunity to see the truth of their intentions.
They were not disappointed - they scored three against the champions and stunned Chelsea in front of a rocking Emirates.
Eidevall stated that Arsenal's performance had "some aspects", but added: "It's one of many games."
Hayes stated that Chelsea was defending their title and said, "It's an issue for us but it's not won or lost in one match."
