Match Report: Arsenal Women’s £1m debutant named POTM in 4-1 win over Lionesses

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·6. September 2025

Match Report: Arsenal Women’s £1m debutant named POTM in 4-1 win over Lionesses

Arsenal Women opened their 2025-26 WSL campaign with a statement 4-1 victory over newly promoted London City Lionesses at the Emirates Stadium. A crowd of over 30,000 roared the Gunners to an opening-day win that saw Canadian international Olivia Smith star on her debut, scoring a superb goal and earning Player of the Match.

The Lionesses started brightly, dominating early possession and showing no fear on their top-flight debut. Arsenal settled gradually and nearly struck in the 9th minute when Emily Fox fired narrowly wide. Smith, Arsenal’s first £1m signing, was handed her first start and looked dangerous from the outset.

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But Arsenal’s defence was caught out in the 14th minute. Youngster Katie Reid brought down Kosovare Asllani in the box, conceding a penalty that Asllani calmly dispatched to give London City a shock lead.

The Gunners searched for rhythm, with Nikita Parris booked for a foul on Katie McCabe before Smith saw a shot saved. London City, backed by serious investment and summer signings, looked every bit a WSL side.

Katie Reid (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Smith sparks the comeback

Arsenal needed inspiration, and it came in the 28th minute. Smith produced a moment of brilliance, bursting through and smashing a strike from distance to level at 1-1, lifting the Emirates.

Pelova spurned a good chance before Smith went close again, while Zelem sent a free-kick over for London City. Arsenal’s persistence paid off just before half-time. Russo’s header was saved by keeper Lete, but seconds later she teed up Chloe Kelly, who coolly slotted home to put Arsenal 2-1 up at the break.

The second half began with more controversy as Parris clashed with McCabe again, already on a yellow, while Zelem was substituted at the break to avoid further risk. Arsenal pushed forward, Smith creating another chance for Pelova who fired over, and then testing Lete herself before being replaced by Foord on the hour, alongside Maanum for Pelova.

The Lionesses reminded Arsenal of their threat with a fierce shot that rattled the post, a major let-off for the home side.

Arsenal turn the screw

With the game still in the balance, Slegers introduced Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius for Kelly and Russo in the 76th minute. The change proved decisive. Blackstenius went close immediately before finding the net in the 82nd minute, converting Mead’s pinpoint cross to make it 3-1.

Barely a minute and twenty seconds later, the duo combined again. This time Blackstenius linked with Mead to set up Maanum, who finished confidently to seal the points at 4-1. The double strike ended any hopes of a Lionesses fightback.

McCabe made way for Taylor Hinds late on, while Reid, who had conceded the early penalty, impressed with her recovery, defending strongly and showed composure in Leah Williamson’s absence.

The final whistle confirmed a 4-1 victory, and with it a perfect start for Arsenal. Smith’s debut goal and all-round display earned her the Barclays WSL Player of the Match award, a fitting recognition of her impact in front of a excited early-season Emirates crowd.

Your thoughts Gooners?

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