Arsenal get off to winning start with comeback win over newcomers London City Lionesses
Asllani scored penalty to give visitors deserved lead in first half
Gunners fightback through Smith's stunning equaliser, Kelly tap-in and late goals from Blackstenius and Maanum
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Image source, Getty ImagesThat's all from this live text now.
Head over to the 'Report' tab at the top of the page for BBC Sport women’s football news reporter Emma Sander's verdict from the Emirates.
And keep an eye out on our dedicated Women's Super League page for more news and reaction.
Until tomorrow friends, it's bye for now.
Two games down, four to go on the opening weekend of the Women's Super League.
The pick of the bunch on Sunday are the first Merseyside derby of the season at Anfield and a London derby between Tottenham and West Ham.
So do join us for complete coverage of those games right here tomorrow.
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Check that out Arsenal fans.
Yes it's matchday one but your side are top of the league.
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Just out of the Emirates. Really impressed by Smith. 4-1 flattered us a bit, but we really grew in the second half. I can see London City causing a few upsets as the season progresses.
David
I agree David, 4-1 feels harsh but that's the way it goes at the very top level.
One note of consolation for the Lionesses though, you'd struggle to find a tougher opening day fixture than away from home against the European champions.
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses were used to having it all their own way last season in WSL 2, losing just three of their 20 league games.
However even with the huge summer recruitment drive, that second half blitz from Arsenal showed that the newbies have their work cut out against the very, very best.
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses
More from London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur to BBC Sport on if today's result is a reality check: "Yes. We played the champions of Europe and we know the challenge was very tough. You can see that we played a team that know each other very well, the way that they play, the passes that they make and the movements.
"It is very I would say inspiring for us. We would like to have this level. We will have this level for sure. How much time we need? I don't know but it is a good game for us.
"[The game] is as they say, 'Welcome to the WSL'. We need to go back to work. This is the level we want to have. We have this capacity but there are so many things to do."
On the key thing he learned today: "Before the game I spoke a lot about the adaptation to the intensity and how we need to be so much more disciplined defensively. At this level one or two mistakes and the structure collapses.
"Some players just arrived one week to ten days ago, so there are many things we need to work on. The lesson today, if I have to just remember one, is that if you do a mistake you have the consequences immediately. And you have to defend in your box. Good lesson, a hard lesson and something we need to remember."
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The scoreline doesn't reflect the quality of London City, they look like a very good side and a departure from the teams that came up in previous seasons. Arsenal were a little rusty at times but I am confident that will fix itself as they play more.
Jonny
Feel for the Lionesses 💯. Thought they played better than the result. Genuinely think we've got a new challenger to top 4. Once they gel👍🏻. Only negative for London City, they really need to work on fitness levels. WSL 1 is high intensity, think season is going to be best yet 💯
Andrew
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Anita Asante
Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at Emirates Stadium
I think London City Lionesses had a really good first half, especially those opening minutes.
I think they need to understand the areas where they need to have a bit more focus, not turning over the ball in dangerous areas. Most importantly, the goals they conceded, some of them could have been defended so much better.
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur speaking to BBC Sport: "I think the final score is quite logical if you see our second half. Of course I regret that we collapsed completely the last ten to fifteen minutes but Arsenal were much better than us, especially in the second half.
"It is a pity that we did not keep going the way that we started. We came into the game in a very good way. The game plan worked, we were good in possession, out of possession, but we need to fix many things.
"After we lost the momentum Arsenal came back in the game and they showed all their skills. The step was too high for us this afternoon. 30 minutes in the game was positive for us but of course but in that level against such a good team, 30 minutes is not enough."
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
We've heard from the victors so now let's hear from London City Lionesses and their boss Jocelyn Precheur on his team's 'Welcome to the WSL'.
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Fara Williams
Former England midfielder on BBC One
Smith scores screamer in Arsenal debut
Olivia Smith has only got one thing on her mind when the ball comes to her feet - create half a yard, fire a shot on goal and force the goalkeeper into a save.
She did exactly that with the equaliser for Arsenal today. It was a phenomenal goal and she completely lived up to that £1m price tag.
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal's manager Renee Slegers speaking to BBC: "I think we struggled at the start of the game, so we had a slower start but we always said this was going to be a hard game, the way they play and there's a big unknown playing against them because they've built a whole new team.
"At the end of the day, they get a penalty, which is a penalty but what I'm really proud of is that we grew into the game, again find our rhythm, we're persistent, we find out solutions, and we totally deserve the win today.
"I think we did some really good things but they happened later in the game. Also, the impact the players that came on made in the second half is amazing, so it's a real team performance. I think yes, you've seen things we want to keep doing but there's things we want to improve."
On Olivia Smith's impact: "We have such a good squad. We have so many talented players who all bring their own qualities to the team and that together consistently brings a really strong Arsenal on the pitch every single game. What Olivia brings is something new to what we did last year, so she adds a new layer to our game."
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Here's the numbers behind Beth Mead's marvellous 25 minute cameo off the bench today:
Great to see the two-time Euro winner getting back to her best after a tough few seasons post ACL injury.
Image source, BBC SportFT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Anita Asante
Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at Emirates Stadium
When you bring signings into your team, whether that be three or four new additions, it raises the levels of the whole squad and that hunger and that motivation to get on the pitch and you could see that with Beth Mead.
She was full of energy and she wanted to be the difference as well.
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
More from Arsenal goalscorer Chloe Kelly speaking on BBC One: "I think the start of the game, trying to work them out, they were flipping from a three to a four and we were trying to work our press out. Once we did that, we felt more connected higher up and we were telling the full-backs to push up and jump their wing-backs. Once we got some rhythm and flow, we started doing well. Olivia's goal really set the tone."
On being at Arsenal permanently: "It feels really good. It feels really special to be an Arsenal player in front of our home fans. I love the club and I'm so grateful for the club, so I'm playing with a smile on my face.
"We have an unbelievable front line, so we're being challenged every day to be at our best. I think we're getting the best out of each other. It's a long season, so we need to keep pushing each other and it's a great environment to be a part of."
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal goalscorer Chloe Kelly speaking on BBC One: "It's difficult sometimes when you don't really know your opposition too much but we've tried to do our homework as much as we can on some pre-season clips of them.
"After a great success in the summer, it makes you hungry to get back on the pitch in front of our home fans and bring a good performance but also a win, so we're really excited to get here at the Emirates and start the campaign off well and we did just that.
"London City are a great side and we knew they were going to give us a challenge today and the whole squad showed what we are capable of."
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal's Olivia Smith speaking to BBC Sport about her goal: "Honestly that's what comes from me. That's the kind of goals I want to score, anytime I see an inch of space I want to go for goal. It was a very special moment for me."
On what manager Renee Slegers said to her about having freedom on the pitch: "Just before the game, she told me to be me and just to enjoy it. They brought me here for a reason and that's what I did today."
On feeling pressure to show up for the fans: "Not at all. The fans are amazing who bring in amazing support and they make me want to do what I do even better. Great atmosphere today."
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
Let's hear from the Canadian international now shall we?
FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses
One of those Arsenal forwards that had a starring role today was £1m pound winger Olivia Smith.
She proved a handful for the 60 minutes she was on the pitch and of course scored a sublime goal to spark the Gunners' comeback.
Some debut from the 21 year old.
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Really happy with Arsenal's squad depth this season which I think we lacked slightly previously. Being able to have two different front threes today both providing strong performances is a great sign going into the season.
Marnie
Arsenal come from behind to beat London City Lionesses
At a glance
Olivia Smith, the world's first £1m women's player, scores a stunning goal on her debut for European champions Arsenal at Emirates Stadium
WSL newcomers London City Lionesses earlier stunned Arsenal with the opening goal, a penalty by captain Kosovare Asllani
England Euro 2025 hero Chloe Kelly pokes in Arsenal's second goal before half-time
Substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum make it 4-1 late on
European champions Arsenal got off to a winning start in the Women's Super League - but were initially tested by big-spending newcomers London City Lionesses.
It promised to be a fascinating afternoon at Emirates Stadium with promoted London City arriving as a relatively unknown outfit, having made a major impact in this summer's transfer window.
They ripped up the script when they took the lead through captain Kosovare Asllani, carefully placing the ball into the bottom right corner from the penalty spot after Arsenal defender Katie Reid brought her down in the box.
But normal service resumed when Arsenal regained control and debutant Olivia Smith - brought in as the world's first £1m female signing - ghosted through midfield and stunned supporters with a powerful long-range goal.
That sparked a response from Arsenal and they were 2-1 up when England's Euro 2025 hero Chloe Kelly poked the ball over the line from close range on the brink of half-time.
London City continued to compete for large periods, but Arsenal's squad depth eventually showed as substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum came on to wrap things up, adding a goal each in the final 10 minutes.
Analysis of Olivia Smith
It was an exciting day for Arsenal supporters. Many who had not been able to travel to Lisbon for the Champions League final win over Barcelona got the chance to see the trophy for the first time.
England captain Leah Williamson, wearing a leg brace because of an injury she suffered in the Euro 2025 final, paraded the trophy before kick-off and then took her seat in the dugout to watch Arsenal's season opener.
There was intrigue around their opponents – who have brought in 17 signings since promotion – but Arsenal reminded everyone why they are European champions.
It did not go to plan initially, with young Arsenal defender Reid bringing down London City Lionesses captain Asllani and giving away an early spot-kick.
Asllani's goal sparked a reaction and that was when the world's first £1m female player exploded on to the scene.
Smith's arrival had been hotly anticipated after an impressive debut season in the WSL with Liverpool, and the Canada international did not waste time proving she can handle the pressure of the price tag, firing an exquisite long-range effort past goalkeeper Elene Lete.
She was busy throughout, running at the London City Lionesses' backline and linking up nicely with striker Alessia Russo.
After volleying another effort inches wide, Smith came off to a standing ovation, already an Arsenal favourite after 61 minutes wearing the shirt.
A big occasion would not be the same without Kelly's contribution too – the England forward made her move to Arsenal permanent when she signed from Manchester City in the summer and started her WSL campaign with a goal before half-time.
Olivia Smith scored on her first start for Arsenal at Emirates Stadium
Described as the WSL's disruptors, London City Lionesses arrived at Emirates Stadium with nobody knowing what to expect. But those who saw their opening match will now have a good idea.
Jocelyn Precheur's side, who sealed promotion to the WSL in May, have ripped up the usual order of things in women's football.
They are an independently owned club, with no ties to a male counterpart and funded by wealthy American businesswoman Michele Kang.
In addition to the 17 arrivals, 11 players left during a frantic summer. Debutants at Emirates Stadium included England forward Nikita Parris, ex-Manchester United captain Katie Zelem and Italy centre-back Elena Linari.
Even without deadline day arrival Grace Geyoro, whose transfer went through too late for her to play in the opener, there were still plenty of positives for London City Lionesses.
Asllani captained the side to WSL 2 success last season and showed why she is such an integral figure, earning the penalty by drawing in Reid's challenge, then coolly stepping up to slot the ball past goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar from the spot.
It was a goal that momentarily knocked the stuffing out of Arsenal, proving London City Lionesses really mean business in the WSL, but ultimately they did not have enough to overcome the champions of Europe.
The message? Be wary of them.
Arsenal travel to West Ham on Friday, 12 September (19:30 BST), while London City Lionesses host their first WSL match at Hayes Lane when they play Manchester United on Sunday, 14 September (14:00 BST).
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Arsenal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
|
2 Chelsea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
|
3 Aston Villa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
4 Brighton & Hove Albion | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
5 Everton | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
6 Leicester City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
7 Liverpool | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
8 Manchester United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
9 Tottenham Hotspur | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
10 West Ham United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
11 Manchester City | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
|
12 London City Lionesses | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Manager: Renee Slegers
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Jocelyn Prêcheur
Formation: 3 - 4 - 1 - 2
Manager: Renee Slegers
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Jocelyn Prêcheur
Formation: 3 - 4 - 1 - 2
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