A breakdown of the action:

First half: A slow start from Arsenal saw London City Lionesses running the show as they pressed well and brought it to the Arsenal defence. Katie Reid's late tackle on Asllani saw Arsenal concede a penalty, which was scored despite van Domselaar diving the right way. Going a goal down seemed to wake the Gunners up a bit, and sensing what they needed to do, they were able to find their forwards more often. Olivia Smith shone on the right wing, linking up well with Emily Fox and Alessia Russo. Smith showed her pedigree when she hit an absolute screamer from outside the box and found the back of the net, bringing Arsenal level and marking her debut in the best way possible. Arsenal continued to dominate London City's box, with Smith and Kelly both attempting shots on the volley. London City struggled to create much at their end, their set pieces didn't bring them any joy. Just before the half, Russo's ball across found Chloe Kelly, who slotted it home to give Arsenal the lead at the break.

Second half: Arsenal realised that London City’s defence was no match for the pace of their forwards, and the rate of play was higher than the start of the first half. Arsenal showed a lot more attacking intent than we saw in preseason. Slegers’ first substitutions came on, with Foord and Maanum replacing Smith and Pelova. Arsenal looked slower than they had, struggling to find another goal, but the introduction of Mead and Blackstenius in the 75th minute seemed to change the game for the Gunners. A repeat of the UWCL-winning link up saw Mead putting in a ball for Blackstenius, who got a foot to it, and scored a third for Arsenal. Only moments later, a defensive mishap from LCL saw Blackstenius in possession, a pass to Mead, who’s ball across goal found Maanum, who headed it home to make it 4-1. A bad few minutes at the office for the LCL defenders. Arsenal hunted for a fifth goal, with Mead searching for a third assist. A fantastic performance from the winger, who was rumoured to be leaving the club this summer. After six minutes of added time, the game ended, 4-1 to Arsenal, a brilliant performance to open the season.

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar 6.5/10

Unfortunate to not save the penalty after going the right way, but a reasonably quiet game in terms of saves with a lack of LCL shots on target to save

Emily Fox 8/10

Up and down the right-hand side with fantastic pace, always able to keep up with the counterattack

Steph Catley 7.5/10

Solid at the back, looks comfortable and confident in that centre-back position, good partnership and communication with Reid

Katie Reid 7.5/10

A real shame that the young centre-back conceded a penalty, an otherwise mature performance and it’s clear that the team has trust in her. Impressive in tight spaces

Katie McCabe 7.5/10

Tenacious performance despite being fouled often and frequently finding herself on the ground. Always gets back up and fights just as hard.

Mariona Caldentey 7/10

Marked out of the game for a lot of it, but when given half a chance, she made it count with some great balls. Able to play a bit more freely in the second half.

Kim Little 7/10

Reliable and consistent in the middle. So key for this Arsenal side.

Olivia Smith 9/10

Showed why Arsenal were willing to pay that much for her, what a goal! Some fantastic runs and footwork also, a star performance. Replaced in the second half.

Chloe Kelly 8.5/10

A brilliant goal from the new permanent signing. Made herself a nuisance to the LCL defence, plays with a lot of personality, great to watch bar some unnecessary fouls.

Victoria Pelova 7/10

Great to see her back at such a high level after her injury, looks to be enjoying herself in the 10 position with some solid balls in, and some great positioning. Replaced in the second half.

Alessia Russo 8/10

Some fantastic balls into the box, one of which lead to an assist of Kelly’s goal, brilliant hold-up play as always. Partnership with Smith looks very promising.

Caitlin Foord (Sub, 61’) 7/10

A solid performance, always shows excellent speed on the wing.

Frida Maanum (Sub, 61’) 7/10

Good positioning as always, found herself in the right spot to head home Mead’s cross, seems to enjoy scoring headers!

Beth Mead (Sub, 75’) 8/10

Two assists not long after coming on, proved her doubters wrong this afternoon

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 75’) 8/10

Great physicality and pace, a very Blackstenius goal for Arsenal’s third!

Taylor Hinds (Sub, 86’) 6.5/10

Great to see the former Gunner make her first appearance at the Emirates Stadium since resigning with the club. Didn’t see much of her today though.

Subs not used:

Manuela Zinsberger, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina