Summary

  • 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

  • Comment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

Live Reporting

Ciara Fleming

  1. Arsenal continue to finish strong

    FT: Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Rachel Brown-Finnis
    Former Everton goalkeeper on BBC One

    Arsenal mean business this season.

    They fell short early on [last season], with a really slow start and they were out of it by October but they finished strong and that's what they did today.

    They were well matched up in the first half but they showed their depth and quality and commitment to their playing style.

    But let's give London City Lionesses recognition. A first time in the WSL and a hastily assembled squad. They are going to be the disruptors this season.

  2. Get Involved

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    It’s so good to see such quality on our bench, and for the subs to come on with such impact is so great to see - and so much love and support from the fans. Great squad. We’ve got to win the WSL this year! COYG.

    Ashni, London

  3. FULL-TIME

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    An emphatic win for European champions Arsenal on their return to Women's Super League action.

    Top flight newcomers London City Lionesses gave it a good go but the Gunners had too much for them in the end.

    Not quite a baptism of fire but far from a roaring start.

  4. 'Great performance from Arsenal'

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Anita Asante
    Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at Emirates Stadium

    This has been a really great performance from Arsenal. They've shown composure and confidence when they needed it, coming from behind.

    On Beth Mead, there was chat around whether she made the right decision. Players know they have a certain amount of time to achieve certain things and you might not get that somewhere else in her career.

  5. Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    No let up from Arsenal as we tick into the final minute of the minimum six added.

    Beth Mead goes for another assist attempt but it's cut out in front of Lionesses keeper Elene Lete by Teyah Goldie.

  6. 'London City Lionesses only going to get better'

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Rachel Brown-Finnis
    Former Everton goalkeeper on BBC One

    I'm really excited to see how some of these individual youngsters develop. They're only going to get better as individuals and as a team the London City Lionesses. Suddenly coming into a team and learning from players.

  7. Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Mariona CaldenteyGetty Images

    Mariona Caldentey drills a menacing ball into the box from a corner but it's cleared.

    Caitlin Foord picks it up on the other side of the box but her effort is met with the same result as Izzy Goodwin powers a header clear.

  8. Get Involved

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    Little has played very well, the way she dances with the ball is similar to Odegaard.

    Sam

  9. Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Agree with RBF, Smith has my vote for player of the match.

    That said, Beth Mead is making a late run at it with her brilliant off the bench cameo.

  10. Get Involved - 'Valiant effort by London City'

    Comment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    I think Arsenal's extra quality and experience playing together are the difference. I reckon London City will only improve with more games.

    Paul

    A valiant effort. Arsenal just too strong in the end. They will cause a few big upsets this season, I’m sure!

    Ray

  11. Smith Player of the Match

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Rachel Brown-Finnis
    Former Everton goalkeeper on BBC One

    Olivia SmithGetty Images

    What a debut. Eyes, microscope, everything on Olivia Smith.

    What an absolute Canadian cannon ball of a shot, a wonder-strike and a contender for goal of the season already.

    Congratulations to Olivia Smith for getting Barclays Player of the Match.

  12. Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Beth Mead is having a field day.

    She almost rounds up her assist hat-trick after sending another London City defender into a spin but it's cut out before it can find a red shirt.

  13. INJURY TIME

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Six minutes of stoppage time to play in north London.

    Would take a miracle for London City Lionesses to take anything from this one now though.

  14. Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Arsenal scored 4+ goals ten times across their 22 WSL games last season - they're one game into the new season and they've done it again.

    The 2024-25 WSL top scorers are laying down a marker here.

  15. 'To all the Beth Mead doubters'

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Rachel Brown-Finnis
    Former Everton goalkeeper on BBC One

    Beth MeadGetty Images

    They need to bank up, tighten up and close those gaps with no risk passes. Kumagai dwells on it too much and Blackstenius who will be wanting to close her down.

    To all those doubters who thought Beth Mead had her head turned or wasn't going to have as much of an impact for Arsenal - her quality to assist two goals in two minutes is why she is very much still required here at Arsenal.

  16. SUBSTITUTION

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Katie McCabe's race is run for the day as she is replaced by Taylor Hinds, who makes her return to north London after a few years plying her top flight trade on Merseyside.

    London City have also made two changes in recent minutes, bringing on Wassa Sangare and former Gunner Teyah Goldie for Alanna Kennedy and Rofiat Imuran.

  17. Get Involved

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    Hard first game for LCL to be fair but plenty of other wins on the cards for them, they look like a good team

    Mattie

  18. 'London City have lost their way'

    Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Anita Asante
    Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at Emirates Stadium

    Again, Beth Mead coming up clutch. It's jubilation in the stands.

    Really good header past the goalkeeper by Frida Maanum.

    I think London City have just lost their way.

  19. Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    You feel that 4-1 is a little harsh on London City Lionesses but that is the level in the top flight.

    1 min 22 seconds between the third and fourth Arsenal goals. Ruthless.

  20. goal

    GOAL - Arsenal 4-1 London City Lionesses

    Frida Maanum (84 mins)

    It's four!

    Arsenal get their second goal in as many minutes to put the result beyond any doubt at all.

    Beth Mead with another crisp cross and it's Frida Maanum on the end of it this time to nod into the top corner.