Olivia Smith scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner to give Arsenal Women a 1-0 victory over Paris FC in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. The match at Mangata Developments Stadium in Borehamwood was settled by Smith's late intervention, cutting in from the left to curl into the top corner. This result provides a positive step for a side that finished second in last season's FA Women's Super League, just four points behind champions Manchester City.
According to a report from the outlet that originally covered the match, the Gunners created several chances before the decisive moment. Lisa Baum's early cross found Smilla Holmberg, whose fifth-minute shot was cleared off the line. Selina Cerci then set up Georgia Stanway in the 28th minute, but her effort went wide. Paris FC goalkeeper Mylene Chavas was called into action to save from Cerci after a pass from Emily Fox.
How did the match unfold before the goal?
The first half saw Arsenal control much of the play without finding the breakthrough. Evelyne Viens had a flicked volley go wide for the visitors, with an offside flag raised. Mariona Caldentey shot over after being set up by Baum in the 38th minute. Just before the interval, a flowing move involving Cerci, Kim Little, Fox, and Holmberg ended with Holmberg curling her effort over the bar. Paris FC's Clara Mateo did test Arsenal keeper Misa Rodriguez with a soft shot before the break.
Manager Renée Slegers made two changes at half-time, introducing Alessia Russo and Taylor Hinds for Cerci and Holmberg. Russo thought she had scored in the second period, but her finish was ruled out for offside after being found by Stanway. Baum saw a free-kick hit the wall just after the hour mark, leading to a corner. Further substitutions saw Lotte Wubben-Moy, Stanway, and Little replaced by Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Geraldine Reuteler.
What was the decisive moment of the match?
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Olivia Smith produced a moment of individual quality. In the first minute of stoppage time, the attacker collected the ball on the left flank, cut inside onto her right foot, and bent a perfect shot into the top right corner of Chavas's net. It was a finish worthy of winning any match. Earlier, Smith had taken a late free-kick that led to a looping Leah Williamson header comfortably caught by the Paris FC keeper.
The visitors had a chance of their own late on when Mariam Toloba put Viens through, but Williamson was on hand to clear the danger. Russo also had a shot blocked after being teed up by substitute Stina Blackstenius, who entered the fray alongside Caitlin Foord with 13 minutes remaining.
What comes next for Arsenal Women?
This was a useful workout ahead of the final pre-season fixture against Charlton Athletic. That match kicks off at 7pm on Wednesday, also at Borehamwood. The serious business begins on Sunday, September 6, when the 2026/27 Women's Super League campaign gets underway with a trip to face Brighton & Hove Albion at 12pm. Tickets for that season opener have already sold out, and the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Arsenal's first WSL home game is against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 13, with a 2.45pm kick-off. Tickets for that fixture remain on general sale. The team will aim to build on a strong 2025 season where they amassed 51 points from 22 games, scoring 53 goals and conceding only 14. You can track their progress from the start on our standings page and view the full fixtures list for the coming months.
Finishing as runners-up last term provides clear motivation. The squad's depth was on show against Paris FC, with multiple players contributing in a tight encounter. Building match sharpness is the current priority, and a last-gasp win against European opposition is a positive sign.
