Olivia Smith scored a stunning long-range goal on her debut to help Arsenal come from behind to beat the London City Lionesses 4-1 at the Emirates as Renee Slegers’ side made a winning start to the Women’s Super League season.
All eyes were on the Canada international after her then record-breaking £1m summer move from Liverpool, although the 21-year-old had to wait for her moment in the north London sunshine as it was the promoted side who made the early breakthrough.
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Watch all angles of Olivia Smith’s stunner on her Arsenal debut
Young Arsenal defender Katie Reid was rash when trying to win the ball in the box, with her poorly-timed tackle catching London City skipper Kosovare Asllani, with the Italy international keeping her cool from the spot despite Daphne van Domselaar diving the right way.
The visitors, who had six starting debutants after a busy summer that saw 16 new players join the club, were well worth their 17th-minute lead, and it needed an early goal-of-the-season contender to bring the hosts level.
Team news
Arsenal: Olivia Smith was handed her debut after joining from Liverpool for £1m
London City: Lene Lete, Jana Fernandez, Elena Linari, Alanna Kennedy, Katie Zelem and Nikita Parris all made their debuts, but Grace Geyoro had to wait
There appeared to be little danger when Smith picked up possession in midfield, but after gliding past a couple of opponents, the space opened up for the striker, who thundered a rasping drive into the corner past a motionless Elene Lete.
That wonder goal gave Arsenal belief and they went in ahead at the break after a lovely team goal involving Emily Fox and Alessia Russo, whose cross was turned home by Chloe Kelly in the six-yard box.
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Chloe Kelly celebrates after she scored to put Arsenal 2-1 ahead
Not that London City did not threaten in the second period, but after Rofiat Imuran’s cross fortuitously hit the post with Van Domselaar in no-man’s land, the visitors appeared to run out of steam in the final quarter of the game.
Having said that, Arsenal’s late quickfire double from substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum – there was just one minute and 22 seconds between the goals – was harsh on London City as the European champions made a winning start to the season for the first time in three years as they look for a first WSL title since 2019.
What the managers said…
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers speaking to BBC Sport:
“I think we struggled at the start of the game, so we had a slower start but we always said this was going to be a hard game, the way they play and there’s a big unknown playing against them because they’ve built a whole new team.
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Kosovare Asllani scores from the penalty spot to give London City a surprise lead
“At the end of the day, they get a penalty, which is a penalty but what I’m really proud of is that we grew into the game, again find our rhythm, we’re persistent, we find out solutions, and we totally deserve the win.
“I think we did some really good things but they happened later in the game. Also, the impact the players that came on made in the second half is amazing, so it’s a real team performance. I think yes, you’ve seen things we want to keep doing but there’s things we want to improve.”
London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur speaking to BBC Sport:
“I think the final score is quite logical if you see our second half. Of course I regret that we collapsed completely the last 10 to 15 minutes but Arsenal were much better than us, especially in the second half.
“It is a pity that we did not keep going the way that we started. We came into the game in a very good way. The game plan worked, we were good in possession, out of possession, but we need to fix many things.
“After we lost the momentum Arsenal came back in the game and they showed all their skills. The step was too high for us this afternoon. Thirty minutes in the game was positive for us but of course in that level against such a good team, 30 minutes is not enough.”
Smith: Slegers told me to be myself
Player-of-the-match Olivia Smith speaking to BBC Sport:
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Smith tries to evade London City’s Elena Linari
“Honestly, that’s what comes for me – the goals I want to score.
“Any time I see an inch of space, I want to go for goal. It’s a very special moment for me.
“Even just before the game, Renee said just to be me and enjoy it. They brought me here for a reason, and I think I did that today.
“The fans are amazing, they bring in amazing support – I didn’t feel any pressure to perform.”
Kelly: We needed to figure London City out early on
Chloe Kelly speaking to BBC Sport:
“It’s difficult sometimes when you don’t really know your opposition.
“We tried to do our homework as much as we could on pre-season.
“After great success in the summer, it’s made us even more determined to get back on the pitch in front of our home fans and bring a good performance – but also a win.
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Saki Kumagai holds off Kelly
“We knew London City would give us challenges, but we showed what we’re capable of.
“At the start of the game, it was trying to work them out and our press, because they were changing from a three to a four. Once we got there, we started feeling more connected higher up – and we allowed our full-backs to push on and jump their wing-backs.
“Once we got some rhythm and flow we started doing well, but Olivia’s goal really set the tone.”