Rachael Laws 8
Could do little with the early penalty but was alert to everything else thrown at her. Quick off her line to thwart the visitors a handful of times in the first half. Was rarely troubled after the break and was solid in everything she did.
Emma Koivisto 6
Might have done better with an early chance at an equaliser but the defender, who was making her Liverpool debut, was not signed to score goals. Didn't have too many other opportunities to venture forward.
Niamh Fahey 8
The captain defended well to limit Chelsea to any real chances following the early goal. Marshalled the backline line superbly and made some crucial interventions late on.
AS IT HAPPENED: Liverpool Women beat Chelsea on WSL opening day
Gilly Flaherty 6
Will be devastated to have conceded a penalty so early into her Liverpool debut but responded well all things considered. Will enjoy more comfortable days at the office this season.
Jasmine Matthews 7
Defended sensibly and was always an option for Laws whenever the goalkeeper was in possession. Held the line well as Chelsea tried through balls in behind and over the top.
Taylor Hinds 7
Showed some composure and class in possession but found it tough against the marauding Lauren James. Moved further forward following Campbell's introduction and improved.
Missy Bo Kearns 7
Full of energy and determination in midfield and helped her team out defensively with some timely tackles but struggled to get on the ball as Chelsea dominated possession. Kept at it though and got her rewards.
Ceri Holland 8
One clip to the back post almost resulted in an equaliser after a strong run and did her fair share of defensive work too. Made a huge block towards the end of the first half. Struck one over the bar in the second as Liverpool chased their winner.
Melissa Lawley 6
Found it difficult to get into the game in the first half as Chelsea kept the ball impressively. Was forced to track back more than she would have liked but worked hard. Was replaced in the second period.
Katie Stengel 9
Some loose touches up top and a lack of support made things difficult for Liverpool to build any real attacks through her in the opening half. Took the penalties so calmly to first level things up and then put her side in the lead. Top-class run to win the second spot-kick before being fouled by Kadeisha Buchanan too. Will be a major asset this season.
Leanne Kiernan 6
Always a willing runner, carried the fight to the visitors at times. A lack of support didn't help, however, as Liverpool struggled to get near the Chelsea penalty area in the first 45 minutes. Was sadly forced off with an injury less than 10 minutes into the second half.
Subs
Megan Campbell 8
Slotted in on the left of the defence after Kiernan's injury. It was her long throw that caused panic in the Chelsea box and led to Millie Bright's handling of it for the equaliser. Another hurl into the area led to a decent chance for Holland. That will be a decent weapon for Liverpool this season.
Yana Daniels 6
Worked hard to track back and stop the supply lines from wide for Chelsea.
Rachel Furness 7
Did well to shake off a nasty-looking collision with Magdalena Eriksson just minutes after coming on. Ably supported Stengel up top in the final minutes but did her share to preserve the lead defensively.
Rhiannon Roberts 6
Tried her best to get forward when the opportunity arose but was disciplined defensively with fellow sub Daniels ahead of her.
Carla Humphrey n/a
On for stoppage time for Stengel to protect the lead.
