Arsenal’s ‘infectious’ positivity and £1m Smith lead to strong end to season

Arsenal took advantage of City’s high backline – and lack of full-back speed – by playing through passes either side of defenders Rebecca Knaack and Jade Rose.

Smith beat Knack with a pass from Mariona Caldente before beating Ayaka Yamashita and slotting into an empty net, but originally that task was not supposed to be hers.

Stina Plaxtenius suffered a calf injury during the week, forcing head coach Rene Sligers to find an alternative solution.

“We have succeeded with Stina [Blackstenius] “At No. 9, she’s very good with her body and speed,” Sligers said.

“She wasn’t available, so we wanted similar qualities even though Olivia and Stina are completely different players. Liv [Smith] He had two and a half training laps in ninth place.

“[There was] A lot of meetings with coaches, giving her details without putting too much information in her head so she can play on her gut, because that’s when she’s really good.

“She captured the role brilliantly, and the goal was exactly what we wanted.”

Of course, opponents rarely use defensive lines against Arsenal as City did, but the Canadian striker has shown that she can be relied upon.

“We have different options [for different opponents]. This was very specific for us today, and something Olivia had never done for us before. “But she did really well, so of course we’ll see her as an option moving forward.”

It’s easy to forget that Smith has been playing in the WSL for less than two years.

After developing in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, one season at Liverpool was enough to convince Arsenal to spend big.

“There’s more to come, she’s still a young player, and she’s settling into the environment,” Sligers said.

“It’s been a long time coming now, but don’t underestimate what it takes for a player and her situation to settle down and adjust to a new life.

“She’s great to work with, and her ability on the pitch is very good. She helps the team with her specific qualities, but she’s also a pleasure to work with. She’s taking baby steps but she’s at a really high level.”

Smith let her teammates down after being sent off during the League Cup semi-final against Manchester United last month, but she has bounced back in earnest.