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.

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.

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).

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