Arsenal manager Renée Slegers emphasised focus, resilience, and consistency ahead of her side’s WSL fixture against Manchester City.
On the start of the season, Slegers was candid about the team’s recent performances. “We look at it game by game,” she said. “Very disappointed with the points we lost in the last two games, so we’re not happy with that. But now we look forward. Every game you play for Arsenal, when you represent Arsenal, you have to go and win every game. That’s reality.
“What’s been good about this group is how we came together, how we were honest and constructive moving forward, that’s key for me. If we stay present, focus on the details, we want to do better. That’s all we can do now, and I feel like we’ve had a good week with the players.”
Asked about the pressure of facing a top-side like Manchester City, Slegers maintained that every match is important. “Like I said, that’s the aim for every game for us, and tomorrow will be no different. Every game in the league is important because every opposition creates different kinds of problems, and we have to deliver with consistency.”
The Gunners have had opportunities in front of goal but have struggled to convert, with twenty-seven shots across their last two matches yielding just one goal.
Slegers stressed confidence in the squad’s attacking quality. “We’ve been in a very good position where we’ve had high efficiency in the final third for a long time. It’s about the small margins, the details.
“Scoring goals is the hardest thing in football, and that’s what we’ve been working on very hard this week. The belief hasn’t gone. We still have the same players with a lot of quality, and we believe in ourselves and our capabilities.”
Chloe Kelly will face her former club for the first time since joining Arsenal on loan in January. Slegers praised, “Chloe has gone through a lot in her football career. She now represents us, and we’re very proud of that. She has fire inside her, and when she uses it the right way, it creates so much for herself and the team.
“I’m sure she’ll be happy to go there and see people she’s been with for a long time, but also very happy to represent Arsenal.”
‘There was frustration’ for Arsenal following dropped points
On the broader context of the title race, Slegers emphasized that every game matters in the Women’s Super League (WSL). “Top teams playing each other are high-stakes games because of the points, but what we want is consistency. Every game is just as important because we don’t want to lose points against any opposition.”
With a busy period ahead across five competitions, squad management is key. “I’m happy we’re back into short turnarounds and a lot of games, that’s where we want to be. We need to make good decisions on how to use the squad and make sure everyone is as fresh and ready as possible for the games coming up.”
Reflecting on the mood after the Aston Villa draw, Slegers highlighted resilience and learning. “Of course, there was frustration straight after the game. I waited 24 hours to watch it back to look objectively. When we came back in, we wanted to get on the same page, be transparent, and be constructive.
“The big learnings were how to be more ruthless and clinical, and how to defend the lead if needed. I’m happy with how everyone came back and worked really hard this week.”
Finally, on addressing the challenges of high-pressing teams like Aston Villa, she said: “They are very aggressive and make it hard for every team. We had solutions, especially in the first half. In the second half, we lost a little intensity, but we definitely have the players to deal with this type of press, both playing out from the back and creating options in front. That game is done now; tomorrow is a new game.”
Arsenal travel to Manchester City looking to build momentum and convert opportunities as they aim for consistency and impact in the WSL this season.
