A debut goal from Lisa Baum proved decisive as Arsenal controlled long spells but still had to withstand Brighton pressure to secure all three points.
Renee Slegers praised Arsenal Women after their win on the opening weekend of the FA WSL, after Lisa Baum marked her competitive debut with the goal that secured a 1-0 victory away to Brighton.
Baum struck after nine minutes, carrying the ball forward from midfield before firing high into the near corner. It was a memorable start for the 19-year-old, one of four summer signings named in Slegers’ starting XI.
Misa Rodriguez, Onya Batlle and Georgia Stanway also started, while Alessia Russo had two opportunities to extend Arsenal’s lead and Olivia Smith caused problems out wide.
Arsenal controlled long periods of the game and had more than 70 per cent possession after 15 minutes, but Brighton continued to carry a threat on the break.
Rodriguez was called upon several times, making important saves from Kiko Seike as Arsenal protected their advantage.
The Gunners were unable to find the second goal that would have made the closing stages more comfortable, but they held on for three points and a clean sheet.
For Slegers, the result represented a positive opening step as Arsenal began their title challenge with an away win.
“I’m so happy for all of them [the new players],” Slegers said. “I’m also happy for everyone else that the season has started, because this is what we’ve been working towards.
“Misa was amazing, her presence in goal was really good. She communicates from behind, she’s always active, and she saves us, so she had a big impact.
“Then Lisa, she’s a very young player, but she doesn’t come across as that young. She’s very mature in the way she thinks, the way she plays.
“She was really calm today, she’s making her debut. It’s not easy, she’s young, we’re starting her, but she scores that goal, a fantastic goal. I think she shows her skill and what she can do for us, and in front of the fans. So it was a special moment for her.
“We’ve been working really hard in pre-season, of course, on our football game model, how we want to bring that all together with different player strengths. But also off the pitch, connecting as a group, getting to know each other, understanding what we’re a part of. The group has been amazing, so they’ve been investing a lot in themselves, in each other.
“It feels like this group has been together for much longer than five weeks. So that’s a really good sign.
“The win is most important, so we get the three points. We know how hard it is, the WSL opener. I think I saw it in the other games as well, it can be quite chaotic, hectic.
“I think we controlled the game well, specifically spells in the first half. I think we spent quite some time without the ball, which we want to minimise. It was an okay performance; I think there were highs and lows.
“We definitely can do more, want to do more and need to do more. But like I said, this being the opener, Brighton away, which is a difficult game. Getting the win over the line is something we’ve been talking about, keeping a clean sheet, so I’m happy with that.”
New Brighton boss, Arturo Ruiz said, “The atmosphere was brilliant so thank you to all the people who came to support us. We did enough to get at least a point here and there are way more positive things than negative. I’m happy about the work we did. Obviously it’s a result we didn’t want but we’ll be back next week to go for the three points.”
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