What a debut for Olivia Smith! Arsenal's record signing made an immediate impact

Arsenal’s record signing proved her worth. In the opening match of the new WSL season at the Emirates, the Gunners briefly trailed after Kosovare Asllani converted a penalty for London City Lionesses. But Olivia Smith struck to equal the score, and Arsenal turned the game around before halftime. Thanks to another summer signing - Chloe Kelly. 

• Arsenal kicked off their WSL season with a strong 4–1 victory over the newly promoted London City Lionesses at the Emirates Stadium, witnessed by a crowd of 38,142.
• Even before kickoff, Arsenal fans witnessed two emotional moments—the official farewell to Lia Wälti, who is leaving after seven years at the club to join Juventus, and a greeting from Leah Williamson, sidelined with a knee injury, as she lifted the Champions League trophy the team won together in May.
• The visitors struck first in the 17th minute as Kosovare Asllani calmly converted a penalty—London City's inaugural WSL goal—after a foul by Arsenal’s Katie Reid. Arsenal’s record £1 million signing, Olivia Smith, made an immediate impact. In the 29th minute, she unleashed a stunning long-range strike—her debut goal—that leveled the match and swung momentum Arsenal's way.
• Just before halftime, Chloe Kelly nodded in from close range after a fluid passing move inspired by Emily Fox and a clever run from Alessia Russo, giving Arsenal a 2–1 edge at the break.
• The champions asserted their class late in the game with quickfire strikes from substitutes—Stina Blackstenius (83′) and Frida Maanum (84′), both assisted by Beth Mead—sealing a commanding finish.

• Mead has set a new record—she’s the first WSL player to register more than 50 assists.