Match report

Arsenal W Defeats London City Lionesses 2-0 in FA WSL

London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses
0–2
FT
Arsenal W
Arsenal W
Mar 15, 2026

Arsenal W demonstrated their dominance as they secured a 2-0 victory over London City Lionesses in the FA WSL. The Gunners, led by standout performances from O. Smith and S. Blackstenius, managed to hold off a valiant effort from the Lionesses. Despite London City's tenacity, Arsenal's clinical finishing and tactical discipline proved the difference.

Key Facts

  • • O. Smith scored the opening goal for Arsenal W at minute 15, assisted by C. Kelly.
  • • S. Blackstenius added a second goal for Arsenal W at minute 76, assisted by A. Russo.
  • • London City Lionesses had three yellow cards: Freya Godfrey (45+2'), L. Corrales (57'), and S. Franssi (60').
  • • Arsenal W also had multiple yellow cards, including O. Smith (61'), C. Kelly (86'), E. Fox (87'), and V. Pelova (90+1').

Lineups

London City Lionesses

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 77 Elene Lete (G)
  • 2 Jana Fernàndez (D)
  • 5 Teyah Goldie (D)
  • 26 Wassa Sangaré (D)
  • 3 Poppy Pattinson (D)
  • 30 Malou Rylov (M)
  • 88 Grace Geyoro (M)
  • 14 Freya Godfrey (M)
  • 10 Danielle van de Donk (M)
  • 7 Lucia Corrales (M)
  • 15 Sanni Franssi (F)

Substitutes

  • 9 Kosovare Asllani
  • 23 Isobel Goodwin
  • 20 Delphine Cascarino
  • 16 Julia Elisabeth Roddar
  • 32 Emily Orman
  • 13 Elena Linari
  • 6 María Pérez
  • 12 Paula Partido
  • 17 Nikita Parris

Arsenal W

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 28 Anneke Borbe (G)
  • 2 Emily Fox (D)
  • 3 Lotte Wubben-Moy (D)
  • 6 Leah Williamson (D)
  • 11 Katie McCabe (D)
  • 10 Kim Little (M)
  • 8 Mariona Caldentey (M)
  • 18 Chloe Kelly (M)
  • 12 Frida Maanum (M)
  • 15 Olivia Smith (M)
  • 23 Alessia Russo (F)

Substitutes

  • 21 Victoria Pelova
  • 25 Stina Blackstenius
  • 9 Bethany Mead
  • 24 Taylor Hinds
  • 5 Laia Codina
  • 13 Barbora Votíková
  • 14 Daphne van Domselaar
  • 31 Smilla Holmberg

Timeline

  1. Arsenal W
    15' Arsenal W Goal · Normal Goal
    O. Smith · Assist: C. Kelly
  2. London City Lionesses
    45'+2 London City Lionesses Card · Yellow Card
    Freya Godfrey

    Foul

  3. London City Lionesses
    57' London City Lionesses Card · Yellow Card
    L. Corrales

    Foul

  4. London City Lionesses
    60' London City Lionesses Card · Yellow Card
    S. Franssi

    Foul

  5. Arsenal W
    60' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 1
    Off: F. Maanum · On: S. Blackstenius
  6. Arsenal W
    60' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 2
    Off: K. Little · On: V. Pelova
  7. Arsenal W
    61' Arsenal W Card · Yellow Card
    O. Smith

    Foul

  8. London City Lionesses
    65' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. Franssi · On: I. Goodwin
  9. London City Lionesses
    65' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Danielle van de Donk · On: K. Asllani
  10. Arsenal W
    72' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 3
    Off: O. Smith · On: B. Mead
  11. Arsenal W
    76' Arsenal W Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Blackstenius · Assist: A. Russo
  12. London City Lionesses
    78' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 3
    Off: T. Goldie · On: J. Roddar
  13. London City Lionesses
    78' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Freya Godfrey · On: Delphine Cascarino
  14. Arsenal W
    85' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Mariona Caldentey · On: Laia Codina
  15. Arsenal W
    85' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 5
    Off: K. McCabe · On: Taylor Hinds
  16. Arsenal W
    86' Arsenal W Card · Yellow Card
    C. Kelly

    Foul

  17. Arsenal W
    87' Arsenal W Card · Yellow Card
    E. Fox

    Foul

  18. Arsenal W
    90'+1 Arsenal W Card · Yellow Card
    V. Pelova

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat London City Lionesses Arsenal W
Fouls 9 9
Pass Accuracy 66% 77%
Offsides 3 3
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 8 12
Corners 1 9
Total Passes 337 477
Yellow Cards 3 4
Blocked Shots 3 7
Shots on Target 2 2
xG — —
Shots off Target 3 3
Possession 42% 58%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 222 365
Shots Inside Box 4 10
Saves 0 2
Shots Outside Box 4 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ The early goal by O. Smith in the 15th minute set the tone for Arsenal W, giving them a crucial psychological advantage over London City Lionesses.
  • ▸ The second goal by S. Blackstenius in the 76th minute sealed Arsenal W's victory, putting the game beyond doubt despite the Lionesses' efforts to stage a comeback.