Match report
Arsenal W Defeats London City Lionesses 2-0 in FA WSL
London City Lionesses
0–2
FT
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
-
15' Arsenal W Goal · Normal GoalO. Smith · Assist: C. Kelly -
45'+2 London City Lionesses Card · Yellow CardFreya GodfreyFoul
-
57' London City Lionesses Card · Yellow CardL. CorralesFoul
-
60' London City Lionesses Card · Yellow CardS. FranssiFoul
-
60' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 1Off: F. Maanum · On: S. Blackstenius -
60' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 2Off: K. Little · On: V. Pelova -
61' Arsenal W Card · Yellow CardO. SmithFoul
-
65' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 1Off: S. Franssi · On: I. Goodwin -
65' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 2Off: Danielle van de Donk · On: K. Asllani -
72' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 3Off: O. Smith · On: B. Mead -
76' Arsenal W Goal · Normal GoalS. Blackstenius · Assist: A. Russo -
78' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 3Off: T. Goldie · On: J. Roddar -
78' London City Lionesses subst · Substitution 4Off: Freya Godfrey · On: Delphine Cascarino -
85' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 4Off: Mariona Caldentey · On: Laia Codina -
85' Arsenal W subst · Substitution 5Off: K. McCabe · On: Taylor Hinds -
86' Arsenal W Card · Yellow CardC. KellyFoul
-
87' Arsenal W Card · Yellow CardE. FoxFoul
-
90'+1 Arsenal W Card · Yellow CardV. PelovaFoul
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.