Lionesses star Beth Mead makes Women's Super League history after bagging two assists as Arsenal start season in style

Mead created history after laying on two goals for her team-mates in their convincing victory over London City Lionesses. Despite only coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute in place of Chloe Kelly, Mead set up quick-fire 83rd and 84th minute goals to secure a 4-1 victory and her own name in the history books. As reported by Opta, she's the first player to hit a half-century of assists in the competition.

Mead played a key role as England's Lionesses won the European Championship for the second consecutive time this summer. The theme of substitutes sealing victory during the tournament was replicated in Arsenal's opening-day WSL victory, as Mead laid on two goals for fellow substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum in the closing stages.

It has been an incredible few months for Mead, who also tasted Champions League glory with the Gunners over Barcelona in May. The 2022 BBC Sports Personality of he Year winner has had a career laden with success and this latest record of 51 WSL assists only adds to an ever-growing legacy for the 30-year-old. Interestingly, newly-promoted London City Lionesses reportedly attempted to sign her in the summer before Mead inflicted opening-day misery on the club.

The WSL title will be the overriding goal for Arsenal and Mead this season. Mead has only won the division once before with the Gunners, back in 2018/19. Usurping Chelsea's recent monopoly over the title will be a difficult goal, but one Renée Slegers and her side will aim for alongside looking to retain their Champions League crown.