WSL opens with wins for Manchester City and Arsenal as Crystal Palace faces substitution breach probe

The Women’s Super League opened its season with defending champions Manchester City securing a 3-1 win over newly promoted Birmingham City on Sunday, as Lauren Shaw scored twice to lead the victory at the Academy Stadium .
Arsenal also started with a 1-0 away win against Brighton & Hove Albion, with debutant Lisa Baum netting the decisive goal .
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory over Everton is under investigation after the league confirmed the club used four substitution windows during the match, exceeding the permitted maximum of three. The substitutions occurred in the 62nd, 83rd, 90th, and 97th minutes, prompting the WSL to launch a probe involving both clubs and referee body Pro Ref. The league’s rules do not prescribe an automatic penalty, but breaches may be referred to an independent tribunal, which can impose sanctions ranging from warnings to points deductions . Both clubs have been approached for comment.
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