Katie Stengel converted two penalties on her Women’s Super League debut to lead newly-promoted Liverpool to a 2-1 win over defending champions Chelsea.
The Blues got on the scoresheet early when Fran Kirby converted from the spot after Gilly Flaherty collided with Guro Reiten.
Sam Kerr saw an effort ruled offside as Liverpool capitalized on their chances in the second half.
The Reds’ victory ended the Blues’ 13-game unbeaten streak, while Liverpool celebrated their return to the top flight in front of a record 3,006 fans at Prenton Park.
Former Blues defender Flaherty gave her new side an unfortunate start, mistimed her clearance and instead made contact with Reiten to concede a penalty in the first minute.
Kirby stepped in from the spot and sent Rachael Laws the wrong way to convert within three minutes, his 29th goal in his last 31 starts for the Blues.
Emma Koivisto had a chance to equalize soon after when Chelsea keeper Zecira Musovic failed to hold off a Ceri Holland effort and the Finland defender pounced on the rebound but sent her effort over the top of the bar.
The defending champions dominated throughout the opening exchanges with Lauren James, who earned her first England cap earlier this month, looking particularly bright on the right wing.
They looked to double their advantage in the 20th minute when Kirby sent a long ball over Kerr, who easily shot past Laws from 18 yards out, but his volley effort was immediately ruled offside.
Matt Beard’s side were dealt a major blow when Leanne Kiernan was forced off, backed by two members of staff, after being brought down by Chelsea debutant Kadeisha Buchanan.
But Liverpool got the breakthrough they were looking for when Flaherty’s shot after a throw-in caught Millie Bright’s arm and was called in for the handball and Stengel coldly converted for his first WSL goal.
Five minutes before the hour mark, Stengel broke down on the right and into the box, chased by Buchanan who brought him down with a sliding tackle to set up Stengel for his winning double.
