After conceding a historic first-ever WSL goal to Kosovo Asllani, Arsenal roared back thanks to a sensational long-range strike from record signing Olivia Smith—and sealed the 4–1 win with late finishes from Chloe Kelly, Stina Blackstenius, and Frida Maanum.

On a pulsating afternoon at the Emirates, Arsenal turned a promising start from WSL newcomers London City Lionesses into a commanding 4–1 victory, propelled by the dazzling debut of £1 million signing Olivia Smith.

The game began with a shock: Kosovare Asllani, London City’s seasoned Swedish talisman, calmly slotted home a penalty in the 17th minute, the club’s first-ever goal in the top flight. It was a moment etched into history, courtesy of their ambitious summer rebuild.

But Arsenal soon responded, and with style. Olivia Smith dropped her mark with a breathtaking long-range strike in the 29th minute. The ball arced into the net with pinpoint precision, leveling the game and electrifying the home crowd.

Momentum swung Arsenal’s way. In added time before the break, Chloe Kelly, teed up by a clever run from Alessia Russo, tapped in to give the Gunners the lead.

The second half saw the class in depth shine. Stina Blackstenius, introduced as a substitute, rose to bury a header in the 83rd minute. Moments later, Frida Maanum, also off the bench, nodded in Arsenal’s fourth—both goals crafted from Beth Mead’s exquisite assists, a double-play of vision and timing.

We’re buoyed by Olivia Smith’s individual brilliance—what a statement on debut.

 Renée Slegers

Why This Matters

Instant Impact from New Signings: Olivia Smith didn’t just make her debut—she stamped her presence with a goal worthy of highlight reels and headlines alike. Her performance is a statement of intent.

Depth That Delivers: With Kelly, Blackstenius, and Maanum all featuring, this Ashley demonstrates that Arsenal’s influence stretches well beyond the starting XI.

London City’s Resilience: Despite going down 4–1, the debutants held their own—leading early and testing Arsenal’s composure. Their manager Jocelyn Prêcheur insisted: “We can be a big club yet.”

I really liked the first 20 minutes… the organisation was good. We played Arsenal, the champions of Europe… I’m fully convinced the club will be a big club in the near future.

Jocelyn Prêcheur