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Football London
Football London
Sport
Will Jennings

Chelsea slip to shock opening day WSL defeat against promoted Liverpool

Katie Stengel bagged a WSL debut double from the spot as Liverpool shocked champions Chelsea 2-1 at Prenton Park on their return to the top-flight.

Emma Hayes’ side had the perfect start to the match when Fran Kirby stepped up to convert a third minute penalty – the first of a record three in the match.

It wasn’t until the 67th minute that the home side replied, Stengel sending Musovic the wrong way after a debatable Millie Bright hand ball to bring the scores level.

READ MORE: Emma Hayes delivers emotional Tuchel farewell with 'devastated' Chelsea warning

Chelsea kept pushing to reset the balance, but it was the WSL newcomers who snatched the win with three minutes remaining, Stengel keeping her cool from the spot to the delight of former Blues boss Matt Beard.

It looked to be business as usual for the champions when Guro Reiten was felled in the area by debutant Gilly Flaherty after shooting. Kirby waited for Rachael Laws to move before calmly stroking the ball to the left to open the scoring.

From then on, it seemed almost certain that the visitors would extend their lead and saunter back to the capital with all three points.

Sam Kerr had the ball in the back of the net with 20 minutes gone, but she was ruled offside with replays suggesting the call was marginal.

But then, in a rare breakaway, it was Liverpool’s turn to have a goal chalked off, skipper Leanne Kiernan mistiming her run before striking home.

After the break Chelsea struggled to make the most of their opportunities and were punished when the ball was fired at Bright from close range after a Megan Campbell long throw.

Stengel made no mistake with the spot kick, and with three minutes remaining she was brought down by Buchanan as she was about to shoot. She confidently stroked her second penalty to the opposite side to earn Liverpool a memorable three points.

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