Sacked Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says her side are not in the Women’s Super League title conversation this season after a 4-2 defeat at Man City left them 10 points behind the league leaders in tenth place.
The visitors led twice at the Etihad on Sunday, but it was a late comeback for Man City to claim all three points as Andree Jeglertz’s side moved to the top of the table heading into the international break.
In stark contrast, Arsenal’s second defeat in just five matches of the new campaign piles the pressure on the Sleggers, with the Gunners making their worst start to a WSL season since 2014.
It all came crashing down late in the second half as Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw at Paris FC in the Champions League on Wednesday by the visitors in a two-goal lead.
That setback only increased the focus on the Dutch coach ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester, where his side once again threw away the lead to return to the capital empty-handed.
Slegers says he and his staff will thoroughly review what went wrong during the international break earlier this season.
“It’s a difficult conclusion,” he said Sky Sports after the game. “The first half goes back and forth. Two teams that move and create. We start the second half well, we score well. When you make three changes, a lot changes, they bring energy and one of the changes is on target.
“After that it’s more difficult. But it’s a fairly even game, two really good teams against each other, but we just couldn’t get the difference in the critical moments. We can’t concede four goals. We’re not happy about that.
“After their changes, they became dominant.
“We’ve had a lot of games where we feel like we have it and then we don’t. It’s really stressful, mentally demanding. It’s good that the players go away, they go to their national teams, they get some new energy, a change of environment and they come back and then we have the next game to prepare for.
“There’s a lot to look at. How we’ve done things in every aspect. The training program, the bigger things behind the scenes. We’ll do everything we can to see where we can be better.
“We’re not in the (title) conversation right now, no.”
However, Slegers’ opposite number offered him support, with Jeglertz claiming Arsenal would bounce back.
“It’s not about Arsenal,” said the City coach. “They are a great football team. They struggled at the beginning but they are still a good football team.
“There are a lot of good players. So when we finish in the spring, I’m sure they will definitely be there and fight for the title. Nothing will change for them.”
“Arsenal is fighting hard”
Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie on Sky Sports:
“[Pressure on Slegers?] Not only in Slegers, but in the whole group.
“Looking at the performances, I would say today [Sunday] Against “Chelsea” they played with enough intensity and with enough purpose.
Alessia Russo celebrates putting Arsenal back in front
“You can see from the players that they are very disappointed with today’s result. They are under pressure because they are 10th in the table and that is not good enough for this team, this squad, the expectations for the club they are at.
“Palace and United, the two draws there were the start of what is now mounting as a lot of pressure. I think they still have enough. It’s not over. They’re not out of it. But it’s an uphill battle from here.”
Christiansen: Slegers should stay at Arsenal
Sky Sports’ Izzy Christiansen:
“I don’t think Renee Slegers’ situation should change. He’s the manager of Arsenal and he’s an outstanding coach and manager. I don’t think his position should be under any threat. The unity between him and the players is clear.
Alessia Russo competes for the ball
“This midfield for Arsenal still doesn’t quite fit. For me, Kyra Cooney-Cross has to be an ever-present. Georgia Stanway hasn’t found her feet yet, but you can see the quality we all know she has. Kim Little keeps moving, but Renee Slegers will be bold in her selection.”
“It’s like a two-horse race between Chelsea and Man City. Chelsea have also had a great start to the season, playing great football. I’m sure the London City Lionesses will have something to say about that. They go from strength to strength.”