The Canada international showed just why the north London side forked out £1 million for her services this summer with an outstanding Emirates bow
For a while on Saturday, London City Lionesses looked like they were about to make the sort of statement they'd have dreamed of when the Women's Super League fixtures were announced back in July. The newly-promoted side have not been shy about their ambitions for this year, setting a new world-record for a transfer fee in the women's game just two days ago, and the reasons for that internal belief were shown to the outside world when they went 1-0 up away at Arsenal, at the Emirates Stadium, in their first-ever game in the top-flight.
The Gunners, though, made their own splash in this summer's transfer window, and it was fitting, really, that it was the electricity of Olivia Smith who sparked them into life in a 4-1 comeback win.
Arsenal made Smith the first million-pound women's player back in July and she showed her new fans that she was more than fitting of such a fee here, producing a sublime solo strike to get the Gunners back on level terms midway through the first half. Renee Slegers' side had started surprisingly slowly and London City took early advantage, with Katie Reid's foul on Kosovare Asllani allowing them to go ahead from the penalty spot. However, the game changed completely once Smith found the back of the net.
From there, Arsenal looked more like Arsenal. Chances came for Smith, Victoria Pelova, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo before the latter teed up Kelly on the stroke of half-time for what was a deserved goal.
While the Gunners were unable to add to their lead, there would still be precarious moments, with Daphne van Domselaar sure to have had her heart in her mouth as Rofiat Imuran's cross drifted over her head and hit the woodwork. But Arsenal deserved to win and that they did, with Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum both scoring from the bench to ensure they started the new season with three points as they look to really challenge a dominant Chelsea for the title this time around.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…
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Daphne van Domselaar (6/10):
Had very little to do in terms of saves. Commanded her area well, though.
Emily Fox (7/10):
Caused problems when she drifted into central areas, able to pick out passes that put the opponent on the back foot, and was solid at the back despite Imuran looking lively down London City's left.
Katie Reid (7/10):
A shame she gave away the penalty with a rash challenge because there was so much to like about her performance away from that. Showed what a good defender she is otherwise in a surprise start.
Steph Catley (7/10):
A solid performance in which she did very little wrong. Great on the ball, as per.
Katie McCabe (6/10):
Surprisingly quiet in an attacking sense but honoured her defensive duties well.
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Kim Little (7/10):
Oozed class all afternoon, showing her wonderful intelligence in possession in particular.
Mariona Caldentey (6/10):
Couldn't really make her mark on the game, which was a surprise given how outstanding she has been over the last 12 months.
Victoria Pelova (6/10):
Made good runs and picked up good positions as she continues to work her way back to her best after an ACL injury. Unlucky not to score when she watched Kumagai clear her effort off the line.
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Olivia Smith (8/10):
Arsenal's liveliest player throughout. Scored a special equaliser and always looked capable of making something else like that happen when she picked up the ball.
Alessia Russo (8/10):
Lacked service herself but created so much for others, showcasing that side of her game brilliantly in a fantastic display.
Chloe Kelly (7/10):
Grew into the game and had a few looks at goal as she did, eventually getting on the scoresheet to put Arsenal ahead.
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Frida Maanum (6/10):
Wrapped things up late on with an opportunistic header, despite struggling to get really involved until that point.
Caitlin Foord (6/10):
Had a tough act to follow in replacing Smith but brought plenty of energy to the pitch and caused all sorts of problems down the left.
Beth Mead (7/10):
Didn't have long to make an impact but she sure did, providing two late assists as Arsenal wrapped up victory.
Stina Blackstenius (6/10):
Showcased her poaching instincts with her finish just six minutes after entering the game.
Taylor Hinds (N/A):
Replaced McCabe in the final minutes for her second debut at the club, having returned on a free transfer earlier this summer.
Renee Slegers (7/10):
Made a big call in starting Reid ahead of Wubben-Moy but, despite the penalty incident, it paid off, as the teenager was solid as a rock. Substitutions ensured her team kept their foot on the gas and made it the comfortable win they deserved.