Lisa Baum scored a superb debut goal as Arsenal opened their Barclays Women's Super League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Brighton at the Broadfield Stadium.

The 19-year-old summer signing from Leipzig took just 10 minutes to make her mark as she crashed in a shot off the underside of the bar for the only goal of the game.

Brighton created a number of openings in an encouraging display in Arturo Ruiz's first match in charge but were unable to take advantage.

Arsenal went close to doubling their lead late on when Stina Blackstenius forced a good save from Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Brighton have had little time to adjust following the sudden departure of Dario Vidosic as manager but they threatened early as Kiko Seike got behind the defence and tested Misa Rodríguez.

Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

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The Gunners went ahead when Baum drove forward from midfield and beat two defenders before firing in from a tight angle.

Alessia Russo should have added a second soon after but fired over.

Brighton came back into the game with Fran Kirby shooting over and then having a header saved by Rodriguez. Another effort from Seike was deflected behind for a corner.

Arsenal had opportunities to make victory safe as Kim Little volleyed at Nnadozie and the keeper then did well to push away Blackstenius' drive after the Swede had broken clear.

The Seagulls hoped to make them pay for those misses as they pushed to the end but Arsenal held on.