The WSL 2025-26 returned this weekend, and if you blinked, you probably missed Ornella Vignola carving her name into Everton folklore with a debut hat-trick against Liverpool. Yes, you read that right—20 years old, first game, and she turned Anfield into her personal backyard kickabout. Meanwhile, Arsenal brushed off promoted London City Lionesses, Manchester United turned it on late, and Tottenham squeaked past West Ham in a derby that felt more tense than your Wi-Fi dropping mid-Zoom call.
Vignola’s Coming-Out Party in WSL 2025-26
Liverpool actually struck first through Cornelia Kapocs, who rattled the bar and the net in one fell swoop. But after that? The game belonged to Vignola. Her equaliser was curled with the kind of arrogance usually reserved for veterans. Then came a header, then a deflected third, and suddenly the Merseyside derby was painted Everton blue. She didn’t just score; she announced herself. If she keeps this up, Goodison Park will be selling Vignola shirts faster than hot pies at halftime.
The Rest of the Cast
Arsenal, unbothered by the spotlight, strolled to a 4-1 win over London City Lionesses. United left it late but still clobbered Leicester 4-0 thanks to Melvine Malard’s double. Spurs needed a Bethany England penalty to slip past West Ham, while Brighton and Aston Villa played the one game no fan wants on opening weekend—a scoreless stalemate.
My Take: The Vignola Effect
I’ll be honest: the WSL has been searching for that next bolt of electricity—someone to shake the status quo. Vignola feels like the spark. Sure, it’s early days, and defenders will wise up, but debut hat-tricks in this league? That’s headline-making stuff. The WSL 2025-26 may be her playground and we are all fortunate to be spectators. And should this be but the start then fasten your seatbelt–the ride is going to be fireworks, excitement and drama to the nth.
As featured on Walkon.com
