Arsenal could unlock Russo with Smith recall as Slegers weighs attacking shake-up

Olivia Smith could offer Arsenal more than a replacement attacking option against Paris FC. Used alongside Alessia Russo, she could help change the questions defenders have to answer.

The Olivia Smith Arsenal role worth exploring is one that combines width with runs beyond the centre-forward. Renée Slegers should consider giving her that responsibility as the Gunners seek greater attacking penetration.

Smith remained an unused substitute in Sunday’s defeat at Chelsea, according to the official match report.

With Chloe Kelly unavailable for the European trip, there is a stronger case for testing another combination. But selecting Smith would only be the first decision. Her instructions would matter just as much.

Olivia Smith Arsenal role should give Russo support

A centre-forward dropping towards the ball can help an attack connect its passes. The danger comes when nobody threatens the space she leaves behind.

Defenders can then follow the striker into midfield without worrying about a runner attacking their goal.

Smith could provide that second movement.

If Russo comes short, Smith should have permission to move diagonally from the flank into the space beyond her. That would force the opposing full-back and centre-back to decide who follows and who holds position.

The opportunity would not always produce a through-ball. A defender retreating to cover Smith could instead give Russo more room to receive and turn.

Arsenal have already shown glimpses of a useful connection. Our report from the opening win at Brighton recorded Russo shooting over after Smith’s good work.

That moment offers a starting point, rather than proof of a finished partnership.

Her Paris winner offers a different reminder

Smith also decided Arsenal’s pre-season meeting with Wednesday’s opponents.

Her stoppage-time winner against Paris FC came after she received a pass from Stina Blackstenius, moved inside and finished from outside the penalty area.

A friendly cannot establish what will happen in a competitive European match. It does, however, illustrate the value of an attacker prepared to change the tempo herself.

Arsenal should seek opportunities to find Smith before the defence has settled around her.

Receiving against one defender offers a different challenge from collecting the ball after the opposition has moved across and added a second marker.

That puts responsibility on the supporting players. The pass into Smith must arrive early enough for her to attack, with a teammate available if the route forward closes.

Width and movement must work together

Simply asking Smith to run inside on every attack would create another problem.

Arsenal could become narrow, leaving several players competing for the same space around Russo and Mariona Caldentey.

The better approach would alternate between holding the touchline and attacking centrally. Smith’s starting width could stretch the defence before a diagonal run tests the gap.

The full-back behind her would need to read that movement. An overlap could preserve width when Smith moves inside, provided Arsenal retain enough cover against a counterattack.

On the opposite side, another attacker should threaten the far post when the ball reaches a crossing position.

These movements would give the player in possession several options instead of leaving Russo as the obvious target.

Judge the partnership beyond the scoresheet

A goal would provide the clearest reward, but Slegers should also watch whether Smith’s movement creates better receiving positions for Russo.

Does a centre-back hesitate before stepping forward? Can Arsenal reach the byline more often? Are runners arriving for cutbacks?

Those details would show whether the combination improves the attack even before the finishing follows.

Smith should not carry responsibility for solving every attacking problem. A clear role alongside Russo would give her a fair chance to influence one.