When Arsenal designated Olivia Smith as the first £1m player in women’s football, they weren’t necessarily looking for a striker.
The 21-year-old Canadian has built a reputation as an energetic right-side winger, known for staying close to the touchline and skillfully outsprinting defenders.
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The transfer fee garnered mixed reactions—especially since Chloe Kelly had successfully claimed the right flank during last season’s victorious Champions League run.
What could Smith bring to the table that Kelly or Beth Mead could not? The apparent answer is versatility.
In a surprising twist, Smith took on the role of number nine against the dominant Women’s Super League leaders, Manchester City, and made it her own by scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory.
With three goals in her last four league matches, Smith is among the top performers in the WSL.
“I’ll play wherever I’m needed. I was running at the back line, stretching them, making runs behind and trying to finish,” Smith told Sky Sports.
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While Arsenal may have only momentarily disrupted City’s title ambitions—who remain eight points ahead of Manchester United with seven matches left—Smith’s skills and adaptability have reignited a team that was losing its momentum.
‘More to come’ from ‘intuitive’ Smith
Arsenal took advantage of City’s high defensive line—along with a lack of pace in their defense—by delivering through balls aimed at the spaces around central defenders Rebecca Knaak and Jade Rose.
Smith sprinted past Knaak to receive a pass from Mariona Caldentey, rounding Ayaka Yamashita before slotting the ball into the unguarded net, although that wasn’t initially the role intended for her.
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With Stina Blackstenius sidelined due to a calf injury, manager Renee Slegers had to devise a new strategy.
“We had great success with Stina in the nine position because of her physical presence and speed,” Slegers mentioned.
“Since she was unavailable, we sought someone with similar attributes, although Olivia and Stina are quite different players. Liv had just two and a half training sessions in the nine role.”
“We held several meetings with her coaches to provide guidance without overwhelming her so she could rely on her instincts, which is when she truly excels.”
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“She adapted to the role excellently, and the goal was precisely what we envisioned.”
While it’s true that opponents usually don’t adopt such an aggressive defensive setup against Arsenal as City did, Smith proved she can be a dependable option.
“We have various strategies tailored to different opponents. This particular setup was specific, yet Olivia performed exceptionally well, making her a viable option for the future.”
It’s noteworthy that Smith has been part of the WSL for fewer than two years.
After her development in Portugal with Sporting CP, just one season with Liverpool convinced Arsenal to make a significant investment.
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“She has even more to offer—she’s still young and adapting to her new environment,” Slegers added.
“Although it’s been some time, we shouldn’t underestimate the adjustment a player must make in their new circumstances.
“She’s fantastic to work with, and her on-pitch abilities are remarkable. She contributes significantly to the team’s dynamics and is also a joy in training. While she is still making incremental progress, she consistently performs at a high level.”
Smith faced criticism after receiving a red card during the League Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United last month, but she has since made a strong comeback.
Winter break ‘really important’ for the Gunners
Although Arsenal is currently ten points behind leaders City, they show a renewed sense of identity compared to the inconsistent team from the season’s first half.
“The rest players received, both mentally and physically, has been incredibly beneficial,” Slegers remarked.
“Many players were burdened after a demanding summer tournament, so the winter break proved invaluable.
“They returned with renewed energy—this reset was essential for us.”
Since their cup defeat to United, Arsenal has achieved impressive victories against Chelsea and City, alongside winning the inaugural FIFA Champions Cup against Corinthians.
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Even if the WSL title seems out of reach—Arsenal has eight matches left and one in hand over City—additional silverware remains a possibility.
They are favored to progress in both the FA Cup and Champions League.
“The players’ dedication is exceptionally high right now. Our ability to collaborate and maintain humility at every stage is impressive,” Slegers noted.
“Now, we must focus on hard work, growth, and applying ourselves fully for the remainder of the season.
“This positive energy is contagious, and we want to sustain it.”
[BBC]
Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, along with interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and beyond on the Women’s Football Weekly feed