Arsenal Women’s team aims to enhance its success after winning the Champions League. The club addresses fierce competition from Chelsea, who have dominated the Women's Super League. In a significant move, Arsenal acquired Canada forward Olivia Smith for £1m from Liverpool. Smith was a standout in her debut WSL season, scoring seven goals and demonstrating impressive attacking statistics, including the highest expected goal overperformance. Her contributions on the pitch extend beyond scoring as she consistently won fouls and engaged in critical playmaking.
Olivia Smith was one of the WSL's breakout stars in 2024-25, scoring seven goals in her maiden campaign after arriving from Sporting CP. She had a remarkable performance, significantly outperforming her expected goals (xG) with a total of 4.4, achieving an overperformance of 2.6, which was the best among Liverpool players. Smith also led her team in touches in the opposition box with 92 and was their highest shot attempt player with 50 shots, showcasing her attacking prowess.
At just 20 years old, Olivia Smith is seen as not only a significant signing for the present but also for the future of the club. She was the youngest player to score more than three WSL goals in the 2024-25 season and played the most minutes among players born in 2004 or later, highlighting her capability and endurance in high-pressure situations.
Smith is not merely a goal-scorer; her overall gameplay contributes strategically to Arsenal's dynamic. With 46 fouls won, she was among the top in the league, indicating her ability to draw defenders and create openings, especially in the final third. This makes her a multifaceted asset for Arsenal as they look to build a stronger team to compete against dominant rivals like Chelsea.
Collection
[
|
...
]