Renee Slegers, the embattled manager of Arsenal Women, has openly acknowledged that her side are no longer part of the title chase this season after a 4-2 loss to Manchester City left the Gunners stranded in tenth place, a full ten points behind the league leaders. The defeat at the Etihad on Sunday saw Arsenal take the lead twice, only for City to rally late in the game and secure all three points, propelling Andree Jeglertz’s side back to the top of the table as the international break approaches.
The loss is particularly stark because it marks Arsenal's second defeat in just five matches, signalling the worst start to a Women's Super League campaign for the club since 2014. The poor run follows a 2-2 draw with Paris FC in the Champions League on Wednesday, a match in which Arsenal surrendered a two‑goal lead in the second half, further intensifying scrutiny on the Dutch coach. Ahead of Sunday's trip to Manchester, the focus on Slegers grew even louder. Once again Arsenal squandered a lead and left the capital without any points.
In response, Slegers promised a comprehensive review during the international break, insisting that she and her staff would dissect every aspect of the early‑season performance to identify where things went wrong. "It is a tough result," she told Sky Sports after the game.
"The first half was a seesaw, both sides creating chances. In the second half we started well and scored a quality goal, but after City made three substitutions they injected fresh energy, and one of those changes led directly to their goal.
After that, it became much harder for us. It was an evenly matched game between two very good teams, but we failed to take the margins we needed in the crucial moments. Conceding four goals is unacceptable and we are not happy with that." Slegers continued, "When they made those changes, they became dominant. We have had many games where we feel we have the advantage and then lose it.
It is mentally demanding. It is good that the players now go on international duty, get new energy, a change of environment, and return refreshed for the next match.
There is a lot to review – from our training programme to broader issues behind the scenes. We will do everything possible to find areas for improvement. At this moment we are not in the title conversation, no." Jeglertz, however, offered a more optimistic view of Arsenal's prospects.
"It’s not about Arsenal being a bad team," he said. "They are a great football side. They had a difficult start, but they remain a quality team with many good players. I am confident that by spring they will be back in the title race and competing for the championship.
Nothing has changed fundamentally for them." Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie weighed in on Sky Sports, noting that the pressure extends beyond Slegers to the entire squad. "When you look at performances, especially today and against Chelsea, they played with sufficient intensity and purpose.
The players are clearly disappointed with today’s outcome. Being tenth in the table is far below the standards this club sets for itself. The draws against Palace and United have added to the mounting pressure. They still have enough quality to turn things around, but it will be an uphill battle from here." Sky Sports analyst Izzy Christiansen defended Slegers' position, stating, "I don’t think Renee Slegers’ job should be in jeopardy.
She is an outstanding coach and manager, and there is clear cohesion between her and the players. The midfield still needs work – Kyra Cooney‑Cross should be a constant presence, Georgia Stanway is still finding her feet, and Kim Little continues to perform.
Slegers will need to be brave with her selections moving forward." Christiansen also highlighted the broader league context, noting a likely two‑horse race between Chelsea and Manchester City. "Chelsea have had a superb start, playing attractive football, and London City Lionesses are also making their mark. The competition is fierce, and Arsenal will need to close the gap quickly." In summary, Slegers has pledged a thorough post‑break review covering tactical approaches, training methods, and any underlying issues that may be affecting performance.
While the manager acknowledges that Arsenal are currently outside the title conversation, she remains hopeful that a refreshed squad returning from international duty can spark a turnaround. The upcoming fixtures will test whether the Gunners can halt their slide and re‑ignite their season, or if the early‑year struggles will define an otherwise ambitious campaign.