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.
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.
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?
Michelle M
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I must say the interest in Arsenal women is so underwhelming in this site.you can imagine no single comment after their outstanding performance today and same happened during their triumph in the champions league last season.
Well it didn’t
I watched the game and saw the great performance with around 40,000 Gooners cheering them on.
I then watched the England game, simply because of Eze and Skelly.
Tried to make a bet or two and then had a nap!!
Can’t be on JA every minute, but I apologise for not commenting on a great performance by our CL winners!
It’s good to see the BBC’s support of the WSL, and let’s hope to see more like this. A good win, and what a player Olivia Smith is. Most of the very young 30000+ crowd were wearing colours, and they looked terrific.
And Sky
Got like a multi screen option today
There are several managers who should be made to sit down and watch WSL and see how you don’t have to pass back and side ways to beat a packed defence. The Arsenal ladies were a joy to see, unlike the other lot.
Do they have packed defences in WSL?
Good start for the Women. After a ropey 20 or so minutes, they got to grips with LCL. What a strike from Olivia Smith, give her a free role. With quick feet like she’s got, she could cause some mayhem this season.
Overall a good team performance. Bigger tests ahead, but come on you Gunners.
Man Olivia is a joy to watch, very much like James at Chelsea how I missed her at Liverpool last season surprised me. The one that even impressed me more was Katie Reid, though concede a pen , was composed and classy on ball.
I believe this is our season to break the blue’s monopoly
true! I might have got a bit carried away.
but It was such a treat to watch
This is more like it🤩