Arsenal Women 4–1 London City Lionesses: Player Ratings
Arsenal launched their 2025–26 WSL campaign with a commanding 4–1 victory at the Emirates, and it was the sensational debut of record-breaking signing Olivia Smith that stole the show.
Olivia Smith – 9/10
Fresh from her world-record £1 million transfer, Smith didn’t disappoint. She blasted a long-range strike into the top corner in the 29th minute, pulling Arsenal level with pure quality and sheer confidence
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. A fitting marker for Player of the Match.
Chloe Kelly – 8/10
A seasoned campaigner and England hero, Kelly restored the lead in stoppage time of the first half, tapping home after a pinpoint cross from Alessia Russo
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. Alert and clinical, she was a constant threat.
Alessia Russo – 7.5/10
Russo’s clever run and measured delivery set up the goal for Kelly. Always energetic and creative, she helped keep momentum firmly with the Gunners
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Beth Mead – 8/10
Striking two assists in quick succession late in the second half, Mead showcased her renowned vision and delivery—setting up goals for substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum
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Stina Blackstenius – 7/10
Off the bench, she tapped home accurately in the 83rd minute—rewarding Mead’s precise service
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Frida Maanum – 7/10
Just 83 seconds later, Maanum nodded in another Mead assist, sealing a dominant finish
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Katie Reid – 5/10
The 18-year-old was involved in an early mix-up that led to the penalty which gave London City the lead. A tough lesson at the top level—but valuable experience
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With Smith’s impact, Kelly’s reliability, Russo’s flair, and Mead’s creative instinct shining through, Arsenal demonstrated both star quality and squad depth from the start. Meanwhile, Reid’s early error serves as a reminder of the WSL’s fine margins—but overall, it was a near-perfect opening-day showing for Slegers’ side.
