Arsenal took advantage of City’s high defensive line (and lack of pace at the back) by playing passes to either side of central defenders Rebecca Knaak and Jade Rose.
Smith beat Knaak off a pass from Mariona Caldentey before rounding Ayaka Yamashita and scoring into the empty net, but that job wasn’t originally meant to be hers.
Stina Blackstenius suffered a calf problem during the week, forcing coach Renee Slegers to look for an alternative solution.
“We have had success with Stina [Blackstenius] at nine, she’s very good with her physicality and speed,” Slegers said.
“She wasn’t available, so we wanted similar qualities even though Olivia and Stina are very different players. Liv [Smith] He had two and a half training sessions in ninth position.
“[There was] A lot of meetings with the coaches, giving her the details without putting too much information in her head so she could play with intuition, because that’s when she’s really good.
“She took on the role brilliantly, the goal was exactly what we wanted.”
Of course, opponents rarely employ defensive lines against Arsenal as high as City did, but the Canadian striker showed that she can be trusted.
“We have different options [for different opponents]. This was very specific for us today, Olivia hadn’t done this before. “But she performed very well, so of course we’ll look at her as an option in the future.”
It’s easy to forget that Smith has been playing in the WSL for less than two years.
After developing in Portugal with Sporting CP, a season at Liverpool was enough to convince Arsenal to spend big.
“There’s more to come – she’s still a young player and adapting to the environment,” Slegers said.
“It’s been a while, but don’t underestimate what it takes for a player and her situation to settle and adapt to a new life.
“It’s fantastic to work with her, her ability on the field is very good. She helps the team with her specific qualities, but it’s also a pleasure to work with her. She’s taking small steps but she’s at a really high level.”
Smith disappointed her team-mates by being sent off during the League Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United last month, but has made a serious recovery.
