Olivia Smith could hardly have made a stronger argument to start Arsenal Women’s opening WSL game of the season.
Within days of being named PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, the Canada international has scored twice in Arsenal’s final two pre-season matches.
One was a 91st-minute winner. The other came from the bench during Wednesday night’s 5-1 demolition of Charlton Athletic.
Renée Slegers now has a decision to make before Arsenal travel to Brighton.
📲 Alessia Russo on Instagram, with the 2026 @PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year, Olivia Smith. 😎🏆 pic.twitter.com/Z2Wq5uI1UP
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 26, 2026
Olivia Smith finishes Arsenal pre-season with another statement
Smith’s first late intervention came against Paris FC on Sunday.
With Arsenal heading towards a goalless draw at Meadow Park, she collected Stina Blackstenius’ pass outside the penalty area, moved inside and found the top corner in stoppage time.
ReadArsenal covered Smith’s dramatic winner against Paris FC as Slegers continued experimenting with her attacking combinations.
Three days later, Smith was not included in the starting XI against Charlton.
It did not stop her having an impact.
She was introduced during the second half and scored Arsenal’s fourth goal late in the 5-1 victory, collecting the ball around the edge of the area before emphatically finding the net.
Arsenal’s official highlights of the Charlton victory underline just how confidently Smith took the opportunity.
Two matches. Two decisive contributions.
And now the competitive season is approaching.
PFA recognition underlines Smith’s Arsenal progress
The timing makes Smith’s form particularly interesting.
She was officially named the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year on Tuesday, becoming the winner for a second successive campaign.
Smith had already collected the prize for her performances with Liverpool before carrying that form into her first year at Arsenal.
ReadArsenal looked at Smith’s latest PFA success after a debut campaign in north London which produced 10 goals across 38 appearances.
Her challenge now is different.
Smith is no longer simply trying to prove she belongs in an Arsenal squad filled with established internationals.
She is pushing to become one of the first attacking names Slegers writes on the teamsheet.
Arsenal’s attacking competition creates Slegers dilemma
That is not an easy position to secure.
Alessia Russo remains one of Europe’s leading centre-forwards. Mariona Caldentey offers creativity and technical control, while Caitlin Foord and Stina Blackstenius provide established WSL experience.
Arsenal also strengthened heavily this summer.
Selina Cerci has already scored during pre-season, while Lisa Baum has been used prominently in attacking areas. Frida Maanum reminded Slegers of her own quality by curling home Arsenal’s fifth against Charlton.
Arsenal’s significant summer rebuild has increased competition throughout the squad.
Smith’s versatility helps her.
She can attack from wide positions, carry the ball directly at defenders and move into central scoring areas. That gives Slegers several ways to accommodate her without necessarily removing Arsenal’s established centre-forward options.
But somebody has to miss out.
That is where Smith’s final week of pre-season becomes significant.
Smith is making herself difficult to leave out against Brighton
Pre-season goals do not guarantee a starting place.
Slegers has used the summer to distribute minutes, test partnerships and integrate a heavily changed squad. Arsenal’s strongest XI against Brighton may therefore look different from any team selected during the friendlies.
Smith has nevertheless done almost everything available to her.
She started against Paris FC and scored the winner.
She was placed on the bench against Charlton and scored again.
She has also entered the season with the recognition of her fellow professionals after retaining the PFA Young Player award.
Slegers now has until 6 September to decide how much those performances have changed her plans.
Arsenal begin their WSL campaign away to Brighton with numerous attacking combinations available.
Smith has made leaving her out considerably harder.
How to watch Arsenal Women vs Paris FC: TV channel and kick-off time
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