Arsenal Fight Back to Beat London City Lionesses 4-1
What a start to the Women’s Super League season it was at the Emirates Stadium, where European champions Arsenal had to dig deep to overturn a shock early lead by newcomers London City Lionesses. In the end, the Gunners ran out 4–1 winners, but the story of how it unfolded was anything but straightforward.
London City Lionesses, making their debut in the top flight after a busy summer transfer window, came out swinging. They showed no fear against one of the strongest teams in Europe. Their captain, Kosovare Asllani, made the headlines early on when she calmly slotted home a penalty in the 17th minute. The spot-kick was won after young Arsenal defender Katie Reid mistimed a challenge in the box, and for a moment it felt like the underdogs might just pull off a shock.
But Arsenal were not going to let their home crowd of over 38,000 down. The response came through debutant Olivia Smith, the Canadian international signed for a record-breaking £1 million. Smith showed exactly why that fee was paid when she picked up the ball, created half a yard of space, and unleashed a thunderbolt from distance in the 29th minute. The Emirates roared as the equalizer flew in — a goal that set the tone for the comeback.
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Just before half-time, Arsenal took control. Chloe Kelly, fresh off her Euro 2025 heroics with England, reacted quickest inside the box and tapped home to give the Gunners a 2–1 lead going into the break. London City had competed bravely up until then, pressing hard and keeping possession well, but Arsenal’s quality was starting to show.
The second half was more of a test for the visitors. Their energy levels dropped, and the depth of Arsenal’s squad came into play. With Beth Mead coming off the bench and immediately creating chances, the Gunners turned the screw. In the final 10 minutes, substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum both found the net within moments of each other — Blackstenius pouncing in the 83rd minute and Maanum adding a fourth just a minute later. The scoreline was suddenly emphatic.
For London City, it was a tough but valuable introduction to life in the WSL. Their coach Jocelyn Precheur admitted afterwards that mistakes were punished instantly at this level, and while the performance had positives, the collapse in the final stages was a harsh lesson. Still, their intent and ambition were clear. With 17 summer signings, including experienced internationals like Nikita Parris and Katie Zelem, this is a team determined to compete, not just survive.
For Arsenal, the day was about resilience and reminding everyone why they are champions of Europe. Smith’s stunning debut, Kelly’s sharpness, and Mead’s lively cameo all highlighted the strength of their squad. Manager Renee Slegers praised her team for growing into the game and showing persistence after a slow start.
So, it finished 4–1 to Arsenal — a scoreline that flattered them slightly, but a statement win all the same. The Gunners march on, while London City, despite defeat, have shown they are here to make an impression in the top flight.
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