Renee Slegers, the embattled manager of Arsenal Women, admitted that her side are no longer part of the title conversation after a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City that left the Gunners slumping to tenth place, ten points behind the league leaders. The loss at the Etihad saw Arsenal take the lead twice, only for City to rally in the closing stages and secure all three points, propelling Andree Jeglertz’s team back to the top of the table as the international break approaches.
This setback marks Arsenal’s second defeat within the opening five matches of the 2024‑25 Women's Super League campaign, cementing what is now their poorest start to a season since 2014. The disappointment follows a 2-2 draw against Paris FC in the Champions League on Wednesday, a game in which Arsenal surrendered a two‑goal advantage in the latter half, further intensifying scrutiny on the Dutch coach. Speaking to Sky Sports after the Manchester City match, Slegers described the result as "tough" and reflected on the ebb and flow of the first half, where both sides created chances and exchanged momentum.
She noted that a change in City’s lineup at halftime injected fresh energy, leading to a decisive goal. "After that it became harder for us. It was a very even contest between two quality teams, but we failed to find the margins we needed in the crucial moments. Conceding four goals is unacceptable and we are not happy with that," she said.
Slegers added that the second‑half substitutions made by City shifted the balance in their favour, allowing the visitors to dominate the remainder of the game. She acknowledged the mental strain of repeatedly feeling in control only to lose that edge, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming international break for her players. "It’s good that the squad will head to their national teams, recharge, experience a different environment and return with renewed energy. Then we can focus on preparing for the next fixture," she explained.
The Arsenal boss stressed that a comprehensive review is required, covering everything from training programmes to broader strategic elements behind the scenes. "There’s a lot to assess – how we’ve been operating, all aspects of the club.
We’ll do everything we can to identify where we can improve," she affirmed. When asked whether Arsenal were still in the title race, Slegers gave a blunt answer: "At the moment we’re not in the (title) conversation, no." Manchester City’s manager, Andree Jeglertz, offered a supportive perspective, insisting that Arsenal remain a strong footballing side despite their early struggles.
"It’s not about Arsenal being a bad team. They are a great football team. They had a rough start, but they still possess quality players.
I’m confident that by spring they will be back in the title fight," Jeglertz said. Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie, appearing on Sky Sports, highlighted that the pressure extends beyond Slegers to the entire squad. She praised the intensity shown in recent matches against Chelsea and Manchester City, but noted the disappointment evident on the players’ faces after the loss.
"Being tenth in the table is not acceptable for a club of Arsenal’s stature. The draws against Palace and United have added to the mounting pressure. They still have a chance, but it will be an uphill battle from here," Corsie observed. Former England international and pundit Izzy Christiansen defended Slegers’ position, calling her an "outstanding coach and manager" whose job should not be in jeopardy.
Christiansen pointed out that the midfield still lacks cohesion, suggesting that Kyra Cooney‑Cross needs to become a constant presence, while Georgia Stanway is still finding her footing despite her evident talent. Kim Little continues to perform, but Christiansen warned that Slegers must make bold selection decisions moving forward.
Christiansen also remarked that the league appears to be shaping into a two‑horse race between Chelsea and Manchester City, both of whom have enjoyed superb starts. She hinted that London City Lionesses could also make a statement as the season progresses. Overall, the early season turmoil has forced Arsenal to confront a stark reality: they are far from the title chase and must undertake a thorough reassessment of tactics, training methods, and squad dynamics.
The upcoming international break offers a brief respite for players to regain confidence with their national teams, while the coaching staff will likely use the downtime to analyse performances, adjust strategies, and plan for a turnaround. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether Slegers can steer the Gunners back onto a more promising trajectory before the season’s midpoint.