Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners shocked on opening day of WSL season

FROM EMIRATES STADIUM - Liverpool handed Arsenal a shock opening opening-day defeat in the WSL on Sunday.

In front of a new WSL record attendance of 54,115, Arsenal struggled to break down Liverpool's strong defence. Former Gunner Miri Taylor's second-half goal was enough to separate the sides at the Emirates Stadium as the Reds continued their streak of opening-day wins.

It was one-way traffic early on as Arsenal consistently put pressure on Liverpool's low block defence.

Rachel Laws pulled out an impressive stop to deny Caitlin Foord an early opener. Regaining some possession, Liverpool troubled Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger that led to a scramble in the box. Fortunately for the home side, the Reds were unable to make anything come from it.

Frida Maanum had her sights on goal but Laws, once again, pulled off an impressive stop to deny the Norwegian.

Quietening the crowd, Liverpool succeeded in keeping Arsenal's major threats at bay. Yet, as half-time inched closer, Arsenal's attacking talent were struggling, losing pace in the final third and failing to connect in front of goal.

With Liverpool starting the second half sprightly, Missy-Bo Kearns laid the ball off to an unmarked Taylor, who netted home as Arsenal's defence seemed to disappear.

As Arsenal looked for a way back into the game, their substitutes injected new pace, with Lina Hurtig and Victoria Pelova making an immediate impact. Yet it was in vain as Arsenal faced defeat.

To give Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall the benefit of the doubt, his defence was still hampered by having to manage players' minutes returning from the World Cup. But their issues in attack were inexcusable.

The Gunners now face a tough second fixture travelling to Manchester United on Friday, while Liverpool host Aston Villa next Sunday.

Arsenal player ratings (3-4-3)

GK: Manuela Zinsberger - 5/10 - Didn't have a lot to do but made a few nervy fumbles. Should have done better to stop the winner and was unable to clear Liverpool's threats.

CB: Steph Catley - 6/10 - Seemed to dot about the pitch and did well in the unusual formation. Did not seem too confident in what her role was.

CB: Lotte Wubben-Moy - 6/10 - Made some good clearances and went forward when needed. Could have done more to the break the lines better.

CB: Jen Beattie - 6/10 - Solid at the back and posed a threat on corners as well. Back three just did not seem to work in her favour however.

RM: Cloe Lacasse - 6/10 - Made some impressive runs and found space well, but struggled to aim her crosses in to find Russo or Foord.

CM: Kim Little - 7/10 - Dictated the pace in the middle and posed a threat on goal but struggled to finish the chances gifted to her.

CM: Lia Walti - 6/10 - Was dispossessed a lot and struggled against a strong Liverpool midfield.

LM: Katie McCabe - 7/10 - Provided pace that Arsenal were lacking. Consistently pressed Liverpool and use the flank well to drive forward.

RF: Caitlin Foord- 6/10 - Was kept quiet a lot but made good contributions. Seemed to struggle with the disconnect at the back.

LF: Frida Maanum- 7/10- Looked threatening when in the box and did well in a new formation but struggled to finish the chances that were laid out for her.

CF: Alessia Russo - 6/10 - Crosses were aimed towards Russo, but she struggled to get on the end of them and make anything happen.

Substitutes

SUB: Victoria Pelova (61' for Lacasse) - 7/10 - Made immediate impact but it had little affect with Arsenal unable to level the score.

SUB: Lina Hurtig (61' for Maanum) - 7/10 - Added a physicality and hunger to win the ball back that looked promising at time.

SUB: Amanda Ilestedt (61' for Wubben-Moy)- 7/10 - Provided a more solid foundation that Arsenal had lacked.

SUB: Stina Blackstenius (62' for Russo) - 6/10 - Had two good chances but was unable to beat Laws to net home.

SUB: Kyra Cooney-Cross (85' for Walti) - N/A

Manager

Jonas Eidevall - 6/10 - Struggled to set a formation that would work for the players but made changes to try and inject new pace into the side.

Liverpool player ratings (3-4-1-2)

GK: Rachel Laws- 7/10 - Made some impressive saves to keep Liverpool in the game.

CB: Jenna Clark - 6/10 - Provided a solid foundation at the back that minimised Arsenal's ability to equalise.

CB: Gemma Bonner- 7/10 - Made some big tackles and continued to deny Arsenal space in the box.

CB: Grace Fisk- 7/10 - Caused problems for Maanum and did well to stop her runs.

RM: Taylor Hinds- 7/10 - Found good space and directed the team well when under pressure.

CM: Missy-Bo Kearns- 7/10 - Link-up with Hobinger proved to be Liverpool's best attacking threat.

CM: Fuka Nagano - 6/10 - Had a few attempts on goal but was unable to make much happen.

LM: Emma Koivisto - 6/10 - Got a bit lost in the middle but made an impact closing down Arsenal's major threats.

AM: Ceri Holland - 6/10 - Drove forward well but struggled against the back three.

CF: Marie Hobinger- 6/10 - Her link-up with Kearns was fruitful, and she caused plenty of issues for McCabe to deal with.

CF: Miri Taylor - 7/10 - Superb finish and managed to find space in a congested box too easily.

Substitutes

SUB: Natasha Flint (67' for Taylor) - 6/10 - Had little time to settle into the game but provided an attacking threat.

SUB: Mia Enderby (71' for Hobinger) - 6/10 - Again, little time to make much impact but did well to press Arsenal's defence.

SUB: Sofia Lundgaard (80' for Kearns) - N/A

SUB: Lucy Parry (80' for Hinds) - N/A

Manager

Matt Beard - 7/10 - Made the right changes and saw his side through to another opening day victory.