Lisa Baum marked her Women’s Super League debut with a stunning individual winner as Arsenal Women opened the 2026/27 season with a 1-0 victory away to Brighton.
The 19-year-old summer signing produced the decisive moment during an impressive first-half performance at Broadfield Stadium, carrying the ball through the Brighton defence before firing into the roof of the net.
It gives Renée Slegers’ rebuilt side an immediate three points after a summer in which expectations have risen considerably.
As we outlined in our Arsenal Women 2026/27 season preview, improving on last season’s second-place finish is the clear target.
Lisa Baum delivers stunning Arsenal winner
Slegers handed competitive Arsenal debuts to four summer additions from the start.
Misa Rodríguez lined up in goal, with Ona Batlle, Georgia Stanway and Baum also included as Arsenal began their title challenge.
Brighton almost punished the new-look side early.
Kiko Seike broke clear after a long ball from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, but Rodríguez produced a strong save to keep the score level.
Arsenal responded quickly.
Baum collected possession inside the Brighton half before driving directly towards goal, beating multiple defenders and smashing a left-footed finish high beyond Nnadozie.
The summer arrival had already shown signs of her ability during pre-season, including a goal against Crystal Palace, but this was a significantly bigger statement.
Alessia Russo then had two opportunities to extend Arsenal’s lead.
The England striker fired over following good work from Olivia Smith before Nnadozie denied her one-on-one later in the half.
Brighton continued to pose a threat.
Former Chelsea forward Fran Kirby wasted one of their best opportunities before half-time when the ball dropped kindly inside the Arsenal area, only for her effort to clear the crossbar.
The Guardian’s live coverage detailed an increasingly competitive contest as Brighton refused to disappear after Baum’s opener.
Arsenal hold firm to begin WSL season with victory
Arsenal controlled long spells after the restart without finding the second goal that would have made the closing stages more comfortable.
Baum remained dangerous, driving through the centre before testing Nnadozie again, before Slegers introduced Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly in place of Baum and Smith.
Brighton pushed harder as the game entered its final stages.
Kirby released Seike down the right midway through the half, but Rodríguez dealt confidently with the resulting corner.
Slegers later turned to Stina Blackstenius, who had an opportunity to settle the contest after being released by Russo, only for Nnadozie to turn her low effort behind.
Arsenal nevertheless protected their advantage through the closing minutes to secure a clean sheet alongside their opening three points.
The result represents an encouraging first competitive step for a squad that underwent major change during the summer.
Our Arsenal Women guide has the complete squad, fixture and competition information for the new campaign.
Arsenal now return to the Emirates Stadium for their first home league fixture against Crystal Palace on 13 September, before meetings with Manchester United and Chelsea complete a demanding opening month.
Slegers will want greater control in future matches.
For now, however, Baum’s spectacular introduction has ensured Arsenal’s WSL title challenge begins with a victory.
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