Olivia Smith scored a stunning long-range goal on her debut to help Arsenal come from behind to beat the London City Lionesses 4-1 at the Emirates as Renee Slegers's side made a winning start to the Women's Super League season.
All eyes were on the Canada international after her then record-breaking £1m summer move from Liverpool, although the 21-year-old had to wait for her moment in the north London sunshine as it was the promoted side who made the early breakthrough.
Young Arsenal defender Katie Reid was rash when trying to win the ball in the box, with her poorly-timed tackle catching London City skipper Kosovare Asllani, with the Italy international keeping her cool from the spot despite Daphne Van Domselaar diving the right way.
The visitors, who had six starting debutants after a busy summer that saw 16 new players join the club, were well worth their 17th-minute lead, and it needed an early goal of the season contender to bring the hosts level.
#### Team news
* Arsenal: Olivia Smith was handed her debut after joining from Liverpool for £1m
* London City: Lene Lete, Jana Fernandez, Elena Linari, Alanna Kennedy, Katie Zelem and Nikita Parris all made their debuts, but Grace Geyoro had to wait
There appeared to be little danger when Smith picked up possession in midfield, but after gliding past a couple of opponents, the space opened up for the striker, who thundered a rasping drive into the corner past a motionless Elene Lete.
That wonder goal gave Arsenal belief and they went in ahead at the break after a lovely team goal involving Emily Fox and Alessia Russo, whose cross was turned home by Chloe Kelly in the six-yard box.
Not that London City did not threaten in the second period, but after Rofiat Imuran's cross fortuitously hit the post with Van Domselaar in no-man's land, the visitors appeared to run out of steam in the final quarter of the game.
Having said that, Arsenal's late quick-fire double from substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead was harsh on London City as the European champions made the perfect start to their attempt to win the WSL for the first time since 2019.