Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool: Olivia Smith provides spark for Gunners

Since her summer arrival from Liverpool, 21-year-old Smith has shown glimpses of the star quality that made Arsenal sign her, but several injury issues have blighted the early months of her career in north London.

Her latest setback came during the October international break when she limped off during Canada’s 1-0 defeat by Switzerland with a hip injury.

However, after deciding not to travel for her country’s games against Netherlands and Japan in the past two weeks, there were no such signs of bother for Smith against Liverpool as she ran both of their full-backs ragged all afternoon.

“She is totally fit – injury-free. You could see that on the pitch. She moved very freely. I’m really happy for her,” Arsenal manager Renee Slegers told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It was a very good goal. We know when she plays from the left she can do these kinds of things.

“From the right, it is more about one-v-ones and going around and getting crosses in, and she did both for us today.”

Smith’s creativity was a bright spark on a largely frustrating afternoon for the Gunners.

“I’m enjoying it. I’m free,” Smith told Sky Sports. “Renee wants from time to go one-v-one and be creative, and I’m able to do that.

“I’m really happy to get back on the scoresheet and (I want) to try and continue that run for the games going forward.”