Renee Slegers, the embattled manager of Arsenal Women, has openly admitted that her side are no longer contenders for this season's Women's Super League crown after a 4-2 loss to Manchester City left the Gunners stuck in tenth place, a full ten points behind the league leaders. The defeat, which took place at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, saw Arsenal take the lead twice before City rallied late in the game to secure all three points and reclaim the top spot as the season heads into the international break. This setback marks Arsenal's second defeat in just five matches of the new campaign, a start that is the poorest the club has experienced in a WSL season since 2014.
The loss follows a disappointing 2-2 draw with Paris FC in the Champions League on Wednesday, a game in which Arsenal had been two goals ahead before collapsing in the latter stages of the second half. The double blow has intensified scrutiny of the Dutch coach ahead of the upcoming trip to Manchester, where Arsenal again surrendered a lead and left the capital without any points.
"It is a tough result," Slegers told Sky Sports after the City game. "The first half was very back‑and‑forth, both sides creating chances and showing momentum. In the second half we started well and even scored a good goal, but the three changes City made shifted the dynamic.
One of those substitutions directly led to the goal that put us behind. After that it became increasingly difficult. It was a close contest between two quality teams, but we failed to find the margins we needed at the crucial moments. Conceding four goals is unacceptable, and we are not happy with that outcome." She continued, "After their changes they became dominant.
We have had many games where we felt we were in control and then lost that feeling. It is mentally demanding and puts a lot of pressure on the squad.
It will be good for the players to go on international duty, get fresh energy and a change of environment, and then return ready for the next match. There is a lot to review – from our training programme to broader issues behind the scenes.
We will do everything we can to identify where we can improve. At the moment we are not in the title conversation, no." Manchester City manager Gareth Jeglertz, however, offered a supportive perspective, insisting that Arsenal remain a strong side despite the recent dip. "It’s not about Arsenal," he said.
"They are a great football team. They struggled at the start, but they are still a quality side with many good players. I am confident that by spring they will be back in the fight for the title.
Nothing fundamental has changed for them." Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie, speaking on Sky Sports, echoed the sentiment that the pressure extends beyond Slegers to the entire squad. "The pressure is on the whole group, not just the manager," she said. "When you look at their performances, especially today and against Chelsea, they showed enough intensity and purpose.
You can see the disappointment on the players’ faces after today’s loss. 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 a chance, but it will be an uphill battle from here." Former England international and pundit Izzy Christiansen also weighed in, defending Slegers’ position. "I don’t think Renee Slegers’ job should be in jeopardy.
She is an outstanding coach and has a strong relationship with the players. The midfield still needs fine‑tuning – Kyra Cooney‑Cross needs to be a constant presence, Georgia Stanway is still finding her feet, and Kim Little continues to deliver. Slegers will have to make some brave selections moving forward.
It looks like a two‑horse race now between Chelsea and Manchester City, with Chelsea also enjoying a superb start." The broader context of Arsenal’s season highlights a team grappling with inconsistency. After a promising start that saw them leading early in several matches, they have repeatedly failed to protect those leads. Defensive frailties have been exposed, as evidenced by the four goals conceded to City, while the attack has struggled to convert chances into decisive wins. The squad’s depth is being tested, especially with key players rotating for international duty during the upcoming break.
Looking ahead, Slegers indicated that the international window could serve as a reset button. Players returning from national team camps will bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy, which could help the Gunners rediscover the confidence that has been lacking. The coaching staff plans to conduct a thorough review of training methods, tactical approaches, and even off‑field factors that may be influencing performance. This comprehensive audit aims to pinpoint specific areas for improvement, whether it be defensive organization, transition play, or set‑piece execution.
In addition to tactical adjustments, there is a clear acknowledgment that mental resilience must be bolstered. The repeated pattern of losing leads suggests a need for stronger psychological preparation, ensuring that players can maintain composure under pressure and finish games strongly. Sports psychologists may become more involved, and leadership within the squad will be encouraged to step up and guide younger members through challenging periods. Despite the bleak snapshot, there remains optimism among supporters and pundits alike.
Arsenal’s pedigree, combined with a talented core of players, means that a turnaround is possible if the issues are addressed swiftly and decisively. The upcoming fixtures will test the effectiveness of any changes made during the break, and a strong response could see the Gunners climb back up the table, re‑entering the conversation for European qualification and, eventually, a title challenge.
In summary, Slegers has candidly acknowledged that Arsenal are currently out of the title race and that a thorough review is essential. While Manchester City’s manager believes the Gunners will rebound, former players and analysts stress the importance of mental strength, tactical refinement, and squad cohesion. The next few weeks will be pivotal as Arsenal seeks to halt their slide, rebuild confidence, and lay the groundwork for a more competitive second half of the season.