On a sun-drenched September afternoon at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Women’s Super League fans were treated to a debut that will be remembered for years to come. Olivia Smith, Arsenal’s record signing from Liverpool, announced her arrival in spectacular fashion, unleashing a thunderous long-range strike that ignited a 4-1 comeback victory over newly promoted London City Lionesses. With the Gunners chasing their 16th top-flight crown, Smith’s performance was the spark that set the tone for a season brimming with promise and high expectations.
The day began with an unexpected twist. London City Lionesses, making their Women’s Super League debut, seized the early initiative. In the 16th minute, 18-year-old Arsenal defender Katie Reid lunged into a challenge on Kosovare Asllani inside the box. The referee pointed straight to the spot. Asllani, wearing the captain’s armband, coolly slotted her penalty past Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar, sending the visiting supporters into raptures and etching her name into Lionesses history as their first WSL goalscorer. The Emirates crowd, momentarily stunned, watched as their team faced a genuine test of character.
But Arsenal, seasoned campaigners in English women’s football, were never likely to wilt under pressure. Manager Renee Slegers, overseeing her ninth consecutive home win, later admitted, “I think we struggled at the start of the game.” She explained to BBC Sport, “Playing against a newly built team posed challenges, but I’m proud of how we found solutions and responded.”
Arsenal’s response was nothing short of emphatic. After a period of patient buildup and growing dominance, Smith seized her moment in the 34th minute. Picking up the ball nearly 30 yards from goal, she glanced up, spotted a sliver of space, and let fly with a rocket of a shot. The ball sailed into the top corner, leaving the Lionesses’ goalkeeper with no chance and the Emirates crowd on its feet. The eruption of noise was matched only by Smith’s own disbelief and joy. “Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better way to start,” Smith said after the match. “The feeling of being so creative on the pitch with other creative players—it’s an unreal feeling.”
Smith’s goal was more than just a spectacular highlight; it marked the beginning of Arsenal’s comeback. The Gunners pressed forward relentlessly, with Beth Mead’s late introduction adding further energy and guile. Mead, a stalwart of the club, would finish the match with two assists, becoming the first player in WSL history to reach 50 assists. Her vision and movement opened up the Lionesses’ defense, and just before halftime, she combined with Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly to devastating effect. Russo drilled a cross into the box, and Kelly was on hand to tap home, sending Arsenal into the break with a 2-1 advantage and full control of the contest.
“Before the game, she [Slegers] said just to be me and enjoy it. They brought me here for a reason and I think I did that today,” Smith reflected, clutching her Player of the Match award. When asked whether her £1 million price tag added pressure, she shrugged off the notion. “Honestly, not at all. The fans were amazing, they just bring in amazing support and just make me want to do what I do even better.”
Arsenal’s attacking intent was reflected in the statistics. The home side racked up 20 shots, generating an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.9, while the Lionesses managed just five attempts and a 0.9 xG. Smith herself had four shots, two on target, sharing the highest number of attempts in the match. Only Beth Mead surpassed her with ten touches in the opposition box, compared to Smith’s nine. These numbers underscored not just Arsenal’s dominance, but also Smith’s immediate impact as a creative and energetic force in the final third.
The second half saw Arsenal’s depth and quality shine through. Manager Slegers made key substitutions, with Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum both making their mark late on. Blackstenius, a hero of Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, pounced on a loose ball in the box to make it 3-1, effectively ending the Lionesses’ hopes of a comeback. Just two minutes later, Maanum added further gloss to the scoreline with a powerful header, sealing a 4-1 victory that sent a message to the rest of the league.
For the Lionesses, the scoreline was harsh, but their early resilience and Asllani’s historic penalty offered hope for the season ahead. Asllani’s leadership and composure will be vital as the newcomers adapt to the rigors of top-flight football. Arsenal, meanwhile, will take heart from the way they overcame adversity. “I think yes, you’ve seen things we want to keep doing,” Slegers said, noting that despite some excellent passages of play, there were still areas for improvement.
The Emirates atmosphere was electric throughout, with Smith later describing it as “unreal.” The crowd’s energy seemed to lift the entire squad, and Smith’s enthusiasm was infectious. “Honestly, that comes through me; those are the kind of goals I want to score. Any time I see an inch of space, I want to go for goal. It was a very special moment for me,” she told reporters. Her confidence and creativity have already endeared her to the Arsenal faithful, who will be eager to see what she can produce as the season unfolds.
As the final whistle blew, Arsenal’s players celebrated not just a win, but the start of a new chapter. With Smith leading the charge, supported by a cast of established stars and promising newcomers, the Gunners look well-equipped to mount a serious title challenge. Their blend of resilience, attacking flair, and squad depth was on full display—a tantalizing prospect for fans dreaming of silverware.
For Olivia Smith, this was more than just a debut—it was a statement. Her stunning goal, tireless work rate, and infectious joy set the bar high for the months ahead. And if this opening act is anything to go by, Arsenal’s latest star is ready to light up the Women’s Super League all season long.
