Olivia Smith marked her Arsenal debut with a stunning goal as the European champions came from behind to start their Women's Super League campaign with a 4-1 win over London City Lionesses.

Smith became the first £1 million female player by joining Arsenal from Liverpool in July and she showed why with a fabulous long-distance strike after Kosovare Asllani's penalty had put London City ahead.

Fellow summer signing Chloe Kelly struck at the end of the first half before substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum scored late on to give Arsenal derby joy, albeit with the scoreline flattering them slightly.

The Lionesses, who fielded a number of debutants including Nikita Parris and Katie Zelem after showing off their financial clout this summer, were a handful and backed up the assertion they are outsiders to gatecrash the top four in their first season in the top-flight.

John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images

---

While they were without Grace Geyoro, reportedly a world record signing who was not registered in time, the visitors silenced the Emirates Stadium following Asllani's 17th-minute spot-kick -- the Lionesses' first ever WSL goal.

Daphne van Domselaar guessed the right way but Asllani's strike was perfectly placed after she had been fouled in the area by Katie Reid, who lunged at the Swede having picked the pocket of Isobel Goodwin.

Arsenal, though, were level just before the half hour in style as Smith demonstrated her worth. After collecting the ball 30 yards out, the Canadian waltzed past María Pérez before unleashing a staggering strike into the top corner for an early goal-of-the-season contender.

Victoria Pelova rounded London City goalkeeper Elene Lete but was denied by the sliding Saki Kumagai, who cleared off the line, while both Smith and Kelly saw volleys whistle narrowly off target.

Lete clawed a header away from Alessia Russo, who cut back for Kelly in added-on time at the end of the first half and England's super sub at Euro 2025 stabbed home to give Arsenal the lead for the first time.

London City almost pulled one back from nowhere after the break as Rofiat Imuran's cross-cum-shot ballooned over Van Domselaar and bounced off the post although Smith continued to threaten as she forced Lete to push away.

- What we learned from Chelsea, Arsenal's WSL openers

- LCL boss after Arsenal defeat We can be big club

The Lionesses faded after the hour and Arsenal capitalised by scoring twice in quick succession, starting with Beth Mead's cross being turned in by fellow substitute Blackstenius in the 83rd minute.

Another Mead cross moments later led to Maanum stooping to head home as Arsenal, runners-up to Chelsea last season, began their campaign in ideal fashion.