Football Review | Arsenal 4 - 1 London City Lionesses

A positive start to the season for Arsenal

They began their WSL campaign with victory at the Emirates, though new arrivals London City Lionesses provided an early scare.

Author | DJ

Stadium | Emirates Stadium

The champions faced an intriguing test against the big-spending newcomers, who had reshaped their squad over the summer and arrived as something of an unknown quantity. That unpredictability paid off when they took the lead. Captain Kosovare Asllani calmly struck from the penalty spot after Katie Reid had brought her down.

Arsenal’s response was swift. Canadian teenager Olivia Smith, the world’s first £1m female footballer, marked her debut in spectacular fashion with a thunderous strike from distance. Just before the interval, Chloe Kelly bundled the ball in from close range to put the hosts ahead.

London City remained competitive after the restart but were undone by Arsenal’s depth. Substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum came off the bench to add late goals, sealing a 4-1 win that underlined the gulf in experience if not ambition.

WSL newcomers make their presence felt

Pre-match atmosphere 

London City Lionesses arrived at Emirates Stadium with a sense of intrigue surrounding them. Branded as the WSL’s disruptors, few knew what to expect from a side making their debut in the top flight. By the end of the afternoon, there was a clearer picture.

Jocelyn Precheur’s team, promoted in May, are already challenging the traditional hierarchy of the women’s game. They stand apart as an independently owned club, without a men’s team attached, bankrolled by American businesswoman Michele Kang.

READ MORE | Manchester City start WSL season with a defeat

Their summer was one of upheaval, with 17 signings and 11 departures reshaping the squad. High-profile debutants against Arsenal included England striker Nikita Parris, former Manchester United captain Katie Zelem and Italy defender Elena Linari. Grace Geyoro, the France international, was not available after her deadline day transfer, but even without her there was plenty to admire.

Kosovare Asllani, who captained the club to last season’s WSL 2 title, again led by example. She drew a foul from Cloé Lacasse to win a penalty, then calmly converted from the spot past Daphne van Domselaar. The goal briefly unsettled the European champions, underlining that London City have arrived with serious intent.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s quality prevailed, but the newcomers left North London with their reputation enhanced and a warning delivered to the rest of the league.