Credits: liverpoolfcw (Instagram)
Early Season Review
by Malaika Khan
A month into the new season, Liverpool women have looked like a team stuck in reverse. What was meant to be a fresh start has quickly unravelled into something far too familiar, or arguably worse.
With no wins in the league, Liverpool have only won against WSL 2 side Sunderland in the League Cup. Despite having an experienced manager in Gareth Taylor at the helm, there have been no signs of progress.
The Reds have been awful in the final third, and that has cost them points, just like it did last season. This was meant to be the start of a new era, but it’s already beginning to feel like the same old story, only this time with the real possibility of a worse ending, relegation
Opening Day Defeat to Everton
Liverpool’s season began with the Merseyside Derby at Anfield, a fixture that was meant to mark the start of a new chapter under manager Gareth Taylor.
There was cautious optimism among fans that the Reds might finally get the better of Everton on home turf, and for a brief moment it looked like it might as Liverpool took an early lead and looked lively in the opening stages.
But whatever hope there was quickly faded. Everton came from behind and completely turned the game on its head, as they stormed to a 4-1 victory. The result extended Liverpool’s winless run in the derby to eight matches and that showed, despite all the talk of Liverpool entering a new era, little had actually changed. Once again, the blue half of the city walked away with the bragging rights.
Losing at Leicester
A week later, Liverpool suffered a second consecutive defeat, this time to Leicester City. Despite dominating the first half and creating several promising chances, the Reds were unable to find a breakthrough.
Leicester were reduced to ten players early in the second half, but the sending-off seemed to make them better rather than hinder their performance. They stayed compact and disciplined and that all paid off when they took the lead in the 59th minute through Emily van Egmond.
That proved to be the match-winner, as Liverpool were handed a second straight defeat in the new era under Gareth Taylor. Frustratingly for Liverpool, familiar issues from last season began to resurface, a lack of clinical edge in front of goal and difficulty breaking down defenses.
Liverpool’s third game of the season was postponed following the heartbreaking news of the passing of former manager Matt Beard. A towering figure in the women’s game, Beard leaves behind an enduring legacy that has shaped not only Liverpool but women’s football as a whole. Known for his passion, leadership, and deep care for his players, he helped countless footballers grow both on and off the pitch.
Beard wasn’t just a manager, he was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to many. Loved and respected throughout the footballing world, his influence extended far beyond results and trophies. He played a pivotal role in the development of the women’s game in England, and his legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the progress he inspired. Matt Beard was, and will always be, a legend. RIP Beardy.
First win of the season
Liverpool claimed their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, just days after the passing of former manager Matt Beard. The team paid their respects with a minute’s silence before kick-off, then honoured his legacy in the best possible way, by delivering a dominant 5-0 victory over Sunderland.
It was a performance full of energy, control, and conviction, showcasing the hallmarks of a side beginning to find its rhythm under new head coach Gareth Taylor. With goals from Evans (7’), Clark (21’), Shimizu (41’), and a brace from Roman Haug (71’, 88’), Liverpool looked sharp, composed, and purposeful.
Beyond the scoreline, the display offered early signs of a clear identity taking shape. It was not just a tribute to the past, but a strong statement of what’s to come.
Losing streak continues
Four days later, Liverpool lost in the league once again, with their struggles in the league continuing as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at the St. Helens Stadium.
Entering the match, fans had hoped that they would pick up their first points in the league, but instead, they extended their winless run. United took the lead in the 4th minute through Hinata Miyazawa and then doubled their lead just before the break, through Ella Toone.
Despite spells of possession and renewed energy in the second half, Liverpool lacked cutting edge in the final third, once again failing to find the net. Gareth Taylor’s side showed flashes of intent but were ultimately undone by a clinical United and their own inefficiency in front of goal.
Fourth league defeat in-a-row
Liverpool lost again in the league, falling to a 1-0 defeat against a determined London City Lionesses side. A late penalty from Elena Linari was enough to separate the two teams, but in truth, the hosts were the better side throughout.
Liverpool failed to make a real mark on the game, lacking urgency, composure, and threat in the final third. Despite hopes of a response, Gareth Taylor’s side once again looked flat and out of rhythm, while the Lionesses showed more fight. It was another worrying result for Liverpool.
Things need to change for Liverpool. A month into the new season, the team are only above bottom club West Ham on goal difference.
They are yet to register a single point in the league, and the performances have been just as concerning as the results. There's been little sign of fight, or attacking intent, with the side looking flat and uninspired week after week.
For a club with high expectations, this simply isn’t good enough.
Credit- liverpoolfcw (Instagram)