Introduction

Opening day always carries its own kind of tension. A promoted side, full of new faces, is unpredictable — and London City Lionesses were exactly that. A team Arsenal knew little about, a team just finding their way in the WSL, but still a team you can’t underestimate.

For Arsenal, this was about control, setting the tone for the season, and navigating unknowns. The 4-1 scoreline reflected that: professional, disciplined, and with plenty of positives to build on ahead of Friday night’s trip to West Ham.

The Defence: Katie Reid’s Moment

Two stories stood out in Arsenal’s back line. First, Emily Fox. It’s almost become routine to say she impressed, but this was another strong performance — more adventurous in attack, linking up down the right and showing why she’s so vital to Slegers’ balance.

Second, Katie Reid. Conceding a penalty might have shaken a less experienced player, but Reid grew stronger after it. Confident on the ball, composed in duels, and most importantly, she kept Izzy Goodwin almost invisible throughout. For someone who once looked like she wanted to give the ball away at every touch, this was a big step forward.

The trust from Renee Slegers was telling. Starting Reid over Lotte Wubben-Moy or Laia Codina in Leah Williamson’s absence is no small statement. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off if Reid continues to grow into the role.

The Midfield Question

Leaving out Kyra Cooney-Cross was always going to spark discussion, but this wasn’t the occasion to panic. Against a newly promoted, still-evolving side, the double pivot of Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little steadied the game while still offering creative thrust.

It wasn’t flashy, but it worked: control first, expression second. Expect Cooney-Cross to return in matches where Arsenal want more verticality and tempo.

The Attack: Arsenal’s Depth on Show

If one area stood out, it was the front line. Alessia Russo set the tone with her usual strength, turning into space and crossing balls into the box. Chloe Kelly’s movement was intelligent, and her goal summed up her knack for finding space. Olivia Smith, on debut, looked electric — direct, fearless, and exactly the kind of spark Arsenal needed.

Caitlin Foord looked sharp even from the bench, Stina Blackstenius found the right spaces, and Frida Maanum reminded us why the No. 10 role seems made for her.

Slegers’ substitutions made a difference too. Beth Mead came on with a point to prove, creating and shooting with purpose. After years of worrying about depth, Arsenal suddenly have a “positive problem”, with many forwards in form.

Looking Ahead: West Ham Away

West Ham away on Friday is a different challenge. Watching their narrow loss to Spurs, it’s clear they can create moments but remain vulnerable. They’ve been a bogey team for Arsenal in the past, and that adds weight to this fixture.

For Slegers, the demand is clear: turn opening day control into a statement win. A clean sheet would be massive, as would showing clinical edge in attack.

If Arsenal want to be seen as serious contenders this season, these are the games they have to dominate — not just win.

Final Thoughts

Three points, three goals, and the first box ticked. More importantly, the squad looks balanced, confident, and deep in a way it hasn’t for years.

Friday against West Ham offers a chance to build momentum and put the bogey narrative to bed. Do that, and Arsenal’s start under Renee Slegers will feel not just solid, but significant.

I’ll be publishing the final piece in my three-part series, ‘Understanding Arsenal under Renee Slegers’, on Wednesday — this time on the forwards. If you missed the first two parts on the midfield and defence, now’s the perfect time to catch up, with both available here.