Renee Slegers appears more composed than one might expect given Arsenal's uneven start to the Women's Super League campaign. The Gunners have already fallen behind the pack after just three fixtures, and an old nemesis – the low‑block defensive structure – has resurfaced at the Emirates Stadium, testing the team’s attacking prowess.
The season began on a promising note with a win over Brighton, a side that had handed Manchester City the title last year by dropping points. However, that optimism was quickly tempered by consecutive draws: first against newly‑promoted Crystal Palace and then against a Manchester United side that had lost its opening two matches. Those results have amplified the scrutiny ahead of this weekend’s clash with Chelsea, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Arsenal’s inability to break down well‑organized low blocks has left them with the poorest expected‑goals (xG) performance in the league at this early stage, despite the abundance of creative talent at Slegers’ disposal. While analysts may offer a variety of explanations, the head coach attributes the problem more to mindset than to tactics. With that perspective in mind, Slegers is determined to shift any lingering pressure away from her players and onto herself, believing that a calm environment will enable the squad to discover solutions on the pitch. She openly acknowledges the frustration of having surrendered four points, yet she stresses the importance of concentrating on the positives and the aspects that can be improved moving forward.
"I’m happy to take the pressure off the players where it’s needed. If anyone has to shoulder that burden, it should be me. I want the players to feel free, to play with clear heads and trust their instincts," she explained.
Slegers also highlighted that Arsenal had previously found ways to counter low‑block setups, but she insists there are additional avenues to explore, such as exploiting set‑piece opportunities. She outlined a coaching philosophy that oscillates between two extremes: delving deeper into intricate details, which can complicate matters, or stripping tactics back to the fundamentals. "In the end, actions speak louder than words.
There’s been a lot of talk, but now we need to show results and look ahead," she added. A sense of déjà vu returned when Arsenal opened their Champions League journey at home against Koge on Tuesday.
After an early Chloe Kelly strike was disallowed by VAR, the Gunners struggled to regain momentum and ultimately needed a 93rd‑minute penalty from Mariona Caldentey to edge past the Danish minnows, who had previously lost all six of their Champions League outings. Had Kelly’s goal stood, it might have alleviated the subconscious feeling of "here we go again" that seemed to haunt the squad.
Slegers constantly reminds her players of the critical need for quick starts to win the mental battle. "We are hungry for early goals and we must chase them in every game, focusing on what we can control," she said. Reflecting on the Tuesday match, she praised the team’s mental resilience and belief in securing a win, noting that an early goal would have dramatically altered the complexion of the encounter. She also conceded that low blocks are notoriously difficult to dismantle, with only a handful of teams possessing the expertise to do so consistently.
Nevertheless, she believes Arsenal must improve in this area if they are to compete with the league’s elite. Looking ahead, the upcoming fixture against Chelsea offers a potential breather. Unless the Blues dramatically change tactics, they are unlikely to sit deep for prolonged periods at Stamford Bridge.
While Chelsea will undoubtedly pose their own threats, the match should provide Arsenal’s attacking unit with the chance to showcase their abilities, something that has been limited so far this season. Young winger Lisa Baum, the 19‑year‑old recruited from RB Leipzig over the summer, is poised to benefit from this opportunity. Slegers has already expressed confidence in Baum, citing her work ethic, training attitude, and performances as reasons she has earned her place in the starting eleven. "She’s becoming an integral part of the squad.
She’s young, but she’s already showing the quality and professionalism needed at this level," the coach remarked. Four games into any campaign, the phrase "must‑win" can feel excessive; perhaps "must‑not‑lose" is more appropriate, especially in an expanded WSL format. Dropping seven points to the league leaders by the end of September would have been a nightmare scenario that the pre‑season planning aimed to avoid, and the current trajectory suggests that danger may be looming.
Slegers remains pragmatic about the Chelsea showdown, describing it as a classic London derby that always carries extra intensity. "It’s always a charged atmosphere, and we’re prepared for that.
As always, if there’s any pressure, I want to be the one taking it," she affirmed. Fans can catch the Chelsea versus Arsenal match on Sky Sports Premier League, with kickoff slated for 4.30 pm on Sunday. Additionally, viewers are reminded to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience.
The game promises a pivotal test for Arsenal’s resolve, tactical flexibility, and the mental fortitude that Slegers is keen to nurture throughout the season.