The 2025-26 Women's Super League (WSL) season kicked off at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal hosting the newly-promoted London City Lionesses. Arsenal, the reigning Champions League winners, entered the match as strong favorites, but the Lionesses, backed by significant investment, were aiming to make a statement.

Arsenal has dominated previous encounters with the London City Lionesses, winning all five of their meetings with a combined score of 16-0. The last time they met, Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory in the FA Cup quarter-final in February, with goals from Laia Codina and Stina Blackstenius. In February 2024, Arsenal triumphed 4-0 in the FA Women's League Cup, with goals from Kim Little, Cloe Lacasse, and Alessia Russo.

Arsenal has a remarkable 11-year unbeaten run in the WSL against newly-promoted sides, winning 24 and drawing 3 of 27 games. In contrast, London City Lionesses secured promotion after going unbeaten in their final 11 WSL2 games last season.

Going into the match, Arsenal's team news indicated that Leah Williamson was unavailable due to knee surgery, while Olivia Smith was in line for her full debut. New goalkeeper Anneke Borbe was also expected to feature. Several players, including Lia Walti, Lina Hurtig, and Amanda Ilestedt, departed from Arsenal over the summer. London City Lionesses have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in French midfielder Grace Geyoro for a rumored world-record fee. They have also added former Arsenal players Danielle van de Donk, Nikita Parris, and Freya Godfrey.

Arsenal was the leading goalscorer in the 2024/25 WSL season, netting 62 goals and scoring 4+ goals in 10 league games. Under manager Renee Slegers, Arsenal has won all eight of their WSL home games, and she could become the first manager in the competition's history to win her first nine.

The Independent provided live coverage of the match, including team news, line-ups, and real-time updates. Sky Sports also offered live commentary, video highlights, and a match report.