For England, yes, but not for Arsenal.
In 14 appearances off the bench for her club, she has managed just one goal and two assists.
Team-mate Stina Blackstenius, an even more perennial substitute, dwarfs Kelly’s impact as a substitute. She’s come off the bench 24 times since Kelly’s debut and scored six times.
Indeed, Blackstenius’ 15 goals as a substitute in the WSL and Champions League for Arsenal since 2022-23 is almost double the return of any other player in that period – and she scored the winner in the European final last season.
If boss Renee Slegers is looking at her bench for a match-winner, Blackstenius tops the list.
Instead, the numbers suggest Kelly is far more effective for Arsenal when she starts, with 87.5% of her goals coming when she’s begun the game on the pitch.
Only fellow Lionesses Alessia Russo and Beth Mead, plus Mariona Caldentey, have more goal involvements for Arsenal since Kelly joined.
