Report: Brighton 0-1 Arsenal Women

Lisa Baum's sensational debut strike gave us all three points as we defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 on the opening day of the Women's Super League season.

The 19-year-old unleashed a rocket after just 10 minutes, which proved to be enough to win at the Broadfield Stadium, where we'd failed to claim victory on our past two WSL visits.

BAUM MAKES HER MARK

We had four debutants in the starting line-up for our WSL opener and one of those, Misa Rodriguez, was put to the test within five minutes of kick-off.

A fine ball over the top from Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie found Kiko Seike, who was able to get beyond Ona Batlle and get her shot away, only to find Misa in the way. Our goalkeeper plunged low to her right to make the stop and prevent us from falling behind.

But it was another newbie who made the breakthrough with a sensational solo strike. After winning the ball back just inside the Brighton half, Baum picked up possession before weaving her way into the box and unleashing a powerful effort, which cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

Three minutes later, we should've had a second. Good pressing from Olivia Smith forced Manuela Vanegas to give up possession, allowing the Canadian to square the ball for Alessia Russo. Our England star had time inside the box but could only fire over the bar in front of our travelling support.

CHANCES AT BOTH ENDS

Both sides continued to attack in the Sussex sunshine. Seike was a consistent threat for Brighton, but our new full-back Batlle was more than a match for the Japanese winger.

Down the other end, Russo had a second opportunity to open her account for 26/27, racing through one-on-one before her shot was stopped by Nnadozie, who was out quickly to deny our number 23.

Our midfield was showing its strength at Broadfield Stadium, with Mariona Caldentey next to go after creating space on the edge of the box. Her effort was comfortably saved by the busy Nnadozie.

The Seagulls, under new management of Arturo Ruiz, then had their best opening just before the break. A long ball into the box was knocked down by Vanegas to Fran Kirby, whose first-time effort went high over the bar.

SECOND HALF BATTLE

The Seagulls were still searching for an equaliser and began the second half with intent. Marisa Olislagers pinged her effort into a dangerous area inside the box, only to find the strong hands of Misa in the way.

After a bright Brighton start, we went back to dominating the ball and creating chances. Baum worked her magic to create an opening inside the box, firing a low cross that Vanegas eventually cleared off the line. Moments later, Kim Little had a go, firing her effort on target and into the gloves of Nnadozie.

Baum, who we signed from Leipzig in the summer, was settling into life in the WSL very quickly. The German showed off her dribbling skills to drift into the box before getting her latest shot away. This one lacked the precision of her earlier goal and was fired straight at Nnadozie.

Seike was providing the biggest threat for the hosts. Her pace on the break was causing problems and she almost equalised. The Japanese got a shot away just inside the box, which took a deflection off Batlle and went just wide.

SEEING IT OUT

A positive debut Baum came to an end and was replaced by Catilin Foord, with the Australian getting into the action immediately, firing an effort over the bar.

Down the other end, full-back Charlie Rule went close for the Seagulls - her first time effort going just over the bar.

The game became stretched and we almost added a second on the break. Russo was able to find substitute Stina Blackstenius, who fired her effort low, but found Nnadozie in inspired form.

With six minutes added on by referee Kirsty Dowle, we saw out the contest by controlling most of possession and getting off to an ideal start to the campaign.