Olivia Smith stars as Arsenal beat London City Lionesses in their WSL opener | OneFootball

Olivia Smith scored a stunning goal on her debut for Arsenal as they came from behind to beat London City Lionesses 4-1 in their Women’s Super League opener.

The visitors, playing their first-ever WSL fixture after being promoted last season, struck first 17 minutes in after captain Kosovare Asllani converted from the penalty spot.

Smith, a £1m club-record arrival in July from Liverpool, equalised in stunning fashion in the 29th minute, rifling home from 25 yards before Chloe Kelly, who completed a permanent move from Manchester City in the summer, struck on the stroke of half-time to give Renee Slegers’ side the lead.

Arsenal looked in control throughout the second half and sealed the victory late on with an 83rd-minute Stina Blackstenius goal quickly backed up by a fourth from Frida Maanum.

38,142 Arsenal fans at the Emirates witnessed the Gunners get their WSL campaign off to a winning start, bettering champions Chelsea’s scoreline against Manchester City last night.

Olivia Smith’s dream debut

Smith impressed throughout her 61 minutes on the pitch. The 21-year-old Canadian international scored Arsenal’s opener and was inches away from a second goal when she volleyed narrowly wide at the back post, after being picked out by Alessia Russo.

The first half saw Smith register five touches inside the opposition box and complete three dribbles, more than any other player.

Last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year has quickly shown why Arsenal were willing to break the world transfer record for her signature.

London City Lionesses – the team everyone is talking about

Despite the defeat, London City Lionesses showed why they are one of the most talked-about teams in the league this season. Backed by American investor Michele Kang, they made 16 permanent signings over the summer, including high-profile arrivals such as Jana Fernandez, Danielle van de Donk, Katie Zelem, Nikita Parris, and Grace Geyoro.

With 27 names listed in the matchday programme, it is a squad bursting with talent. Asllani’s penalty marked a fitting first WSL goal for the club captain, who has been with the side since 2024.

The challenge now will be to gel quickly and build chemistry across a star-studded squad.

Walti’s farewell

Before kick-off, Arsenal fans paid tribute to Lia Walti, who leaves the club after seven years to join Juventus. The Switzerland international midfielder received a warm send-off in a pre-match ceremony, reflecting her status as a fan favourite.

Can Arsenal push Chelsea?

Chelsea opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Manchester City, underlining their status as favourites for a seventh consecutive WSL title. Arsenal, last crowned champions in 2019, look best placed to challenge them after their Champions League victory in May.

With Smith adding firepower to an already-impressive attack featuring last season’s Golden Boot winner Alessia Russo (joint with Bunny Shaw), Arsenal fans will believe this could finally be the year to topple the Blues’ dynasty.

Only time will tell, but on the opening weekend, Arsenal and Olivia Smith sent a clear message.