Next up... 👀

Goodbye from Goodison 👋

Well, everyone, that's all from me today.

As ever, it's been a pleasure and privilege to bring you closer to today's action - what a start for Gareth Taylor's side.

Stay tuned to ManCity.com for more post-match reaction, plus coverage of tonight's Soccer Aid game at the Etihad Stadium and the launch of our new documentary: City Forever - The Story of Our Statues at 17:00 UK time.

We'll have highlights from Goodison Park from midday tomorrow so be sure to check those out. There were some truly stunning goals!

Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Taylor on Steph Houghton - and her superb free-kick 💬

"She practices so much!

"It was perfectly set up for her. On the other side, maybe Alex Greenwood or Caz Weir would take it. Alanna Kennedy is also good at free-kicks.

"Steph has shown her quality. I remember the free-kicks against Brighton and Arsenal, and then today's.

"She doesn't get many but the percentage of success is really high!"

Taylor on Bunny 💬

"As a former striker, I know what it's like - you want to get off on a good start.

"She has a proven track record - she was the top scorer in the French league, although Bordeaux weren't near the top.

"We know it's in her - she's capable. She wanted a good start but we were happy to be patient.

"It was an excellent pass to set up and then it was a nice, easy finish.

"I saw a difference in her game after that - her confidence and hold-up play was a lot better.

"It's great to have Ellen and Georgia back too. 24 hours ago, it wasn't looking great. It's been a bit last-minute but it was great to get players back with us."

Taylor on Vicky Losada 💬

"For the way we play, looking to commit the opposition, we need players who handle the ball and make good decisions.

"She has a wealth of experience but she knows what she's good at and what she's not so good at.

"It's not just about performance - she's also a top professional for players to radiate to and be led by.

"Steph is our captain and an incredible leader but we need other cultural architects and Vicky is certainly one of those."

Taylor on fans 💬

"It was amazing support - so good.

"From minute one all the way through, they were fantastic.

"I love that they stayed behind afterwards. The players and staff showed their appreciation.

"It's a really good day for us. We really appreciate their efforts. They really helped us today."

Taylor 💬

"It's three points - that's all it is - but considering where we're at, I thought a point would be a decent result.

"I've spoken about consistency and not dropping points but Everton as a good team - even at 4-0 down, they were putting us under pressure, where other teams might have given up.

"We're really happy. I did an interview outside and saw a couple of our injured girls who came to support - Keira, Ellie, Chloe, Lucy - and it was crazy seeing that amount of players cheering us on from the sidelines.

"This group has real resolve and resilience. It was a solid team peformance."

Taylor 💬

"Everyone played their part. From back to front, we were very good.

"Look at Bunny, and Raso and Janine - they were constant threats and they got in on numerous occasions.

"It was great for Bunny to get her goal then then there was that pass from Janine and movement from Caroline...

"The first goal was a class finish after Hayley had done well, and then Steph shows her quality with the free-kick.

"It was a really good effort."

Gareth Taylor 💬

"It was a really efficient and professional performance.

"We were put under pressure in different spells.

"We managed the first part of the game really well and we scored some exceptional goals with real quality.

"Potentially, we weren't making the most of our early dominance but when you've come away to a tough ground in Everton - a team who put us under some real pressure - you have to say: the girls were excellent, particularly when you consider where we are with our lack of pre-season."

Don't miss out 🎫

Over land and sea 💙

What a start 🤩

Dream result and performance to kick-off the 2021/22 season - couldn't have asked for more.

Three points, four goals, a clean sheet, debuts, returns, minutes all around... plus some truly wonderful football, especially in the build-up play to some stunning goals.

So, so good and so, so encouraging for the new campaign.

On-the-whistle match report ⬇

FULL-TIME ⏱

Start as you mean to go on...

City cruise to a thumping opening day win at Goodison Park.

A rampant first half showing put the visitors three clear, thanks to goals from Vicky Losada, Janine Beckie and Khadija Shaw, before Steph Houghton added gloss to the scoreline with a stunning second-half free-kick.

A glorious display and hopefully a sign of things to come!

We hear you 💙

Our travelling army of City fans very vocal - enjoying their first game back.

'Oh, City we love you' and 'The best team in the land and all the world' ringing out from the away section.

Phew! 😅

That was close.

Everton almost grab what surely would be a consolation as a corner causes havoc at the backpost - but again, Taieb is down to collect.

The skipper 👊

Squad depth 👌

We may be missing some of our key names - Lucy Bronze, Ellie Roebuck, Keira Walsh, Karen Bardsley, Jess Park - but to be able to bring on the likes of Ellen White, Georgie Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Alanna Kennedy on from the bench... that really says something.

Imagine trailing three or four nil and seeing those names come on. Must be a frightening prospect for any opposition and having that level of competition is going to be key, as we fight for silverware once more.

👑

What a goal! 🤩

Cometh the hour, cometh the captain.

A typically fabulous free-kick from the skipper, who curls over the wall and into the top corner, after White had been upended outside the box by Christiansen.

If we put postage stamps on the left of an envelope, it would be a 'postage stamp' finish!

Delighted to be of service 🥰

😍

Easy does it 👍

City back in control of this one.

As expected, Everton came flying out of the traps early in the second half - something to prove after that first 45 minutes - but we've limited their chances..

With such a commanding lead, we don't need to take any risks or over-exert. Just keep things simple and see it through comfortably.

💙

SECOND HALF ⏱

We're back under way!

More of the same, please City! 😉

💥

🥇

🎯

HALF-TiME ⏱

What a half for City!

Kirsty Dowle brings the opening 45 to a close with Gareth Taylor's side leading 3-0, thanks to goals from Vicky Losada, Janine Beckie and Khadija Shaw.

Dreamland.

Rapid Raso ⚡

Almost a FOURTH for City, as Raso clips in another dangerous delivery. MacIver goes to claim but fumbles, gathering in the nick of time before Bunny can convert.

George Kelsey at Goodison Park 💭

"What a devastating spell for City. They've smelled blood after Losada's opener and gone in for the kill. 

"Gareth Taylor must be delighted with what he's seen so far, but he's continually giving out instructions to his players, including a quick word with Laura Coombs during a drink break.

"The City fans are in full voice as well, with a rendition of "Manchester la la la" ringing out in this corner of Merseyside!"

Unbelievable! 🤩

Shaw has her first goal for the Club on her WSL debut, calmly slotting the ball into the near post from Raso's pinpoint delivery!

City running riot!

Striking gold 🥇

Our Olympic gold medallist continues her superb summer form, racing forward into the centre and drilling a superb finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Greenwood gets the assist with an excellent tackle to regain possession in the Everton half!

Perfect precision!

Calm it down 🤚

It's been a tad chaotic since City's opener - neither side giving the other much time on the ball, lots of one-touch football, tackles flying in...

City trying to gain some control as we look for a second - some of the build-up play is excellent but the final product a little lacking.

😂

Everton 0-1 City 💙

It's been coming! Caroline Weir gets in behind off the back of a clever disguised pass from Janine Beckie, forcing the save from MacIver.

The ball eventually falls into the path of Losada who takes a touch and whacks it in off the post.

What a way to grab your first for the Club! GET IN

Hayley Storm ⛈

Another ball over the top into the path of Raso, who forces Danielle Turner into heading the ball behind for a corner.

The Australian has been a constant threat down the flank, and City are starting to feel their way back into the game again after that flurry of Everton chances.

George Kelsey at Goodison Park 💭

"City are slowly settling into these early exchanges, and we're finding plenty of joy down the flanks. 

"Hayley Raso's clever movement and pace seems to be particularly worrying on the right flank. 

"The pocket of City supporters in the bottom corner of the Gwladys Street End are making all the noise so far - banging the drum and cheering the girls on in these early stages."

Eeek 😅

Heart-in-mouth moment there as Houghton looks to chest back to Taieb, who had already come to claim.

The ball bounced just behind her but the 'keeper was able to gather before it headed towards goal!

Battle of the Blues 🔵

Bit of a kit clash at Goodison Park, it has to be said.

Both sides donning their traditional blue - Everton in royal blue and white, City all in sky blue.

Promising 👍

Bunny drives forward now, winning a corner, which comes to nothing.

Both sides looking for an early goal - it's been an exciting start to this one.

A reminder of our City starting XI 🗒

George Kelsey at Goodison Park 💭

"'Z Cars' begins to play as we near kick-off, giving the entire crowd a massive lift. 

"The players come out to rapturous applause from both sets of fans. Everton came out of the tunnel, while our City stars walk across the pitch from their makeshift changing room. 

"It's amazing how much of a difference fans make to an atmosphere - and it's so nice to have them back."

Countdown to kick-off ⏱

It's almost time!

Really good crowd taking their seats at Goodison to celebrate this historic day.

Speaking to the players over the past few weeks, they've all said it's the one thing they're looking forward to the most this season: the return of fans.

City are heading out onto the pitch now.

Don't miss out on the fans' first game back at the Academy Stadium on Wednesday night 🎫 We can't wait to welcome you back!

No place in the matchday squad for new recruit Filippa Angeldahl, as we await international clearance, but get to know more about our Swedish Olympic silver medallist here ⬇

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, oi, oi! 🙌

Toni Duggan made 74 appearances in City blue, scoring 31 goals. She finished her debut season as our top scorer. With 36 WSL goals to her name, she stands 11th in the league's all-time goalscorers list ⚽

George Kelsey at Goodison Park 💭

"'One Vision' by Queen blares out across the tannoy as the Everton players come out for their pre-match warm-up, while Karima Benameur Taieb and Khiara Keating are testing out their handling and footwork at the Park End of Goodison. 

"No sign of the rest of our City stars as of yet, so the only logical assumption is that they're rocking out to such a timeless tune... either that or they're preparing for the battle ahead."

Busy Izzy ⚠

Izzy Christiansen was the Toffees' joint-top scorer with six goals and top assister with six in the WSL in 2020/21.

The former City midfielder has only failed to either score or assist against two of the 17 teams she’s faced in the WSL - one of which is City (the other is Manchester United).

Did you know...? 🤔

🔹 City v Everton is the most one-sided fixture in Women’s Super League history, with City winning all 10 matches between the two sides in the competition by an aggregate scoreline of 26-4.

🔹 Gareth Taylor's side have won each of our last seven away games in the Women’s Super League, scoring 23 times while conceding only twice. We were also the last side to go on a longer run of away victories in the competition, winning 12 in a row between July 2016 and January 2018, which is the competition record. 

🔹 Including the 2017 Spring Series, we haven’t lost our opening league match of the season in any of the last seven WSL campaigns (W4 D3) since a 1-0 loss at Liverpool in April 2014.

🔹 Since losing 2-1 to Chelsea in December 2019, City have lost none of our last 25 WSL matches when we’ve taken the lead (W23 D2), winning 17 of 18 such matches last season (D1).

ICYMI: Happy Bunny 🐰

Gareth Taylor 💬

"Of course, we want to be competing for all of the titles. 

"We took the league to the final day and we want to go one better. We believe we can achieve that,

"We realise some points we gave away early potentially cost us. It’s imperative to make a good start but I do feel the likes of Everton, Arsenal, United are all improving. 

"Teams will take points from each other but we know in a 22-game season, we have to be consistent and one or two defeats could end your title prospects."

Toni Duggan, Izzy Christiansen and Sandy MacIver line up against their former Club, while Claire Emslie and Poppy Pattinson are named on the bench 🍬

Team news 🗒

There you have it - our first league starting XI of the season.

Karima Benameur Taieb takes her place between the sticks, shielded by a backline of Demi Stokes, Alex Greenwood, Steph Houghton and Esme Morgan.

Laura Coombs occupies the defensive midfield role - sat in behind Caroline Weir and Vicky Losada, who gains her first WSL appearance for City.

Hayley Raso also earns her first start - against her former Club - employed on the right wing, with Janine Beckie on the left and Khadija Shaw leading the line upfront.

Ellen White and Georgia Stanway are also named on the bench, while there's no place for Jess Park or Karen Bardsley. Youngster Khiara Keating, who is on a dual-loan registration with Fylde, is amongst the substitutes.

📣 CITY TEAM NEWS 📣

Greetings from Goodison 👋

A very good afternoon from Merseyside!

Your City Media Team are in position for today's FA WSL opener and we can't wait to bring you coverage!

Team news is on its way. Roll on the new season!

Taylor on transfer business 🗣

"It's early to assess, but we're really happy with the business that we've done.

"We've got a wide range, we've got players of real experience and a youngster like Ruby Mace too coming through."

Taylor on Alex Greenwood 🗣

"She feels really comfortable at centre-back.

"Especially in the way we play and build from the back, it's vital having left footer at centre-back.

"Alex gives us that option, I think she's a top class centre-back."

Gareth Taylor on BBC Football Focus 🗣

"The nucleus of the squad has been there since last season, new players need to adapt and learn but we had Bunny and Vicky Losada there for a lot of pre-season which helps.

"We're pretty comfortable with it, it's not been an ideal break with the Olympics but we needed the break.

"It's coming thick and fast but we understand the importance of the game and want to make a quick start."

Stat attack 🔢

Some interesting stats to get you in the matchday mood  👇 

-City have won all ten of our WSL matches against Everton, more than we have against any other side in the competition.

-We've won each of our last seven away games in the Women’s Super League, scoring 23 times while conceding only twice.

-Including the 2017 Spring Series, City haven’t lost our opening league match of the season in any of the last seven WSL campaigns (W4 D3) since a 1-0 loss at Liverpool in April 2014.

-Ellen White has been directly involved in 12 goals in just 13 WSL appearances against Everton, scoring seven goals and assisting five more.

🙌

The Last Time ⚽

Raso on the squad 💬

“Everyone has been great. I try to be pretty sociable, getting around and speaking to as many people as I can, and everyone has been really welcoming.

"The new signings are great. It’s nice to have another Australian here alongside me in Alanna Kennedy, which I’m really excited about, and seeing the way Vicky Losada plays and trains (her standards are amazing).

"Having quality players like that coming into the squad - is so good.

“I'd thought it was a bit too soon to have banter with the Team GB girls but Keira Walsh brought it up a few times and Alanna and I have given a bit back to her!

“Everyone has been great. I try to be pretty sociable, getting around and speaking to as many people as I can, and everyone has been really welcoming.

“We have a lot to prove and we want to go better than last season – that’s the goal.”

Raso on settling in 💬

“It’s been really good. The girls are lovely, the facilities are amazing and I feel I’ve settled in really well.

“I’d heard a lot of great things about the Club and being here, I’ve seen it for myself. My first few days, I was little nervous but once I found my way around, it was a bit easier.

“With so many of us away at the Olympics, we haven’t had the pre-season other teams have had but that doesn’t change the desire or hunger.

“I’m really enjoying being back on the pitch, meeting the girls and playing alongside them."

Hayley Raso 💬

“I’m really looking forward to playing against Everton in the first game. It will be a bit of extra motivation for me.

“They’ve recruited well and in the WSL, every team you come up against is a challenge.

“With it being the first game of the season, everybody will be still finding their feet for both teams.

“We’re all really looking forward to the season starting.”

Familiar faces 🤝

Today's clash could see several players facing their former Clubs - for both sides.

Jill Scott, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan and Hayley Raso have all played for the Toffees - as have injured duo Lucy Bronze and Chloe Kelly - while Toni Duggan, Izzy Christiansen, Claire Emslie, Sandy MacIver and Poppy Pattinson have also plied their trade with City.

Raso says that interesting subplot provides 'extra motivation'...

Everything you need to know about today's game ⬇

Gareth Taylor on Everton 💬

“Everton have got good options. Whenever we played them last season they did something different in every game in terms of their formation.

“We’ve got a bright enough and intelligent enough group here to come up against those types of systems and have a way and a style of playing against it.

“These are the games you look forward to, especially with it being on TV, it’s a big one for us, something we’re pleased to be a part of and a nice showcase to start the season.

“I think when you make a lot of signings you need to allow for a bedding in period. We’ll be in the same situation as Everton.

“I think they made more signings than anyone in the league so far so there’s a bit of a statement of intent there in terms of what they want to achieve.

“We hope it’s a good game, we want to be successful and we hope we can come away with the result we need.”

Early team news 📋

Gareth Taylor has confirmed Georgia Stanway is back in contention for today's encounter.

The forward was one of six players to have missed Tuesday’s Champions League Round Two trip to Real Madrid, having remained in Manchester as a precaution following surgery to aid her breathing.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Taylor revealed the 22-year-old is fit to face the Toffees, although she will wear a protective mask and may require reduced minutes.

The City boss also explained Ellen White is nearing a return and shared an update on Lucy Bronze, while there was less positive news on Ellie Roebuck and Keira Walsh, who also did not travel to Spain and have been ruled out for an ‘extended period’ with calf injuries.

Lucy Bronze (knee) and Chloe Kelly (ACL) are longer term absentees.

It's matchday! ⚽

City are back in FA Women's Super League action as the 2021/22 campaign begins with an exciting trip to Everton.

To add to the sense of occasion, the game is being played at Goodison Park in front of an impressive crowd - and will be shown live on BBC One. Kick-off is at 13:30 UK time.

If you're unable to tune in though, we'll have minute-by-minute coverage right here in the Matchday Centre, plus pre-match build-up and post-match reaction.

Let us know how you're feeling ahead of the game by tweeting @ManCityWomen

Come on, City!