Renee Slegers, the manager of Arsenal Women who has been under intense scrutiny, 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 sitting in tenth place, ten points behind the league leaders. The defeat at the Etihad Stadium 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. This loss marks Arsenal's second defeat in just five matches of the new campaign, intensifying the pressure on Slegers. The Gunners have recorded their poorest start to a WSL season since 2014, a stark contrast to the expectations that accompany a club of Arsenal's stature.
The disappointment follows a 2-2 draw against Paris FC in the Champions League on Wednesday, a match in which Arsenal held a two‑goal advantage before conceding late in the second half and watching the game slip away. The cumulative setbacks have placed the Dutch coach in the spotlight ahead of the upcoming trip to Manchester, where Arsenal again surrendered a lead and left the city without any points.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the Manchester City game, Slegers described the result as "tough" and reflected on the ebb and flow of the match. "The first half was very back‑and‑forth, both teams had momentum and created chances. In the second half we started well and scored a good goal, but after City made three substitutions they injected fresh energy, and one of those changes led directly to the goal," she explained. She added, "After that it became much harder for us.
It was a tight contest between two quality sides, 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 performance." Slegers noted that City's changes after the break made them dominant, and she acknowledged the mental strain of repeatedly feeling they were in control only to lose it.
"It’s mentally demanding when you think you have the game and then it slips away. It will be good for the players to go on international duty, get a fresh boost, and return with a new environment and energy for the next match," she said.
The Arsenal boss emphasized that a comprehensive review is underway, covering everything from training programmes to broader organisational factors. "There is a lot to examine – how we have been operating in all aspects. We will do everything possible to identify where we can improve," she said.
"At the moment, we are not part of the title conversation, no." Manchester City’s manager, Andree Jeglertz, offered a measured response, praising Arsenal as a strong side despite their early-season struggles. "It’s not about Arsenal being a bad team; they are a great football team. They had a difficult start, but they still have many quality players.
I am confident that by spring they will be back in the fight for the title," Jeglertz remarked. Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie, speaking on Sky Sports, highlighted that the pressure is not solely on Slegers but on the entire squad. "When you look at the performances, especially today and against Chelsea, they showed enough intensity and purpose.
You can see the disappointment on the players’ faces after today’s result. Being tenth in the table is far below the standards they set for themselves given the club’s history and expectations," she said.
Corsie added that earlier draws against Palace and United have contributed to mounting pressure, but she believes the team still has enough quality to turn things around, even though the road ahead will be steep. Former England international and pundit Izzy Christiansen also weighed in, defending Slegers’ position.
"I don’t think Renee Slegers’ situation should change. She is an outstanding coach and manager, and there is clear cohesion between her and the players," Christiansen said.
She pointed out that the midfield still lacks balance, suggesting that Kyra Cooney‑Cross needs to be a constant presence, while Georgia Stanway has yet to find her footing despite her evident talent. Kim Little continues to perform, but Christiansen warned that Slegers will need to make bold selection decisions moving forward. Christiansen also observed that the title race appears to be shaping into a two‑horse contest between Chelsea and Manchester City, noting Chelsea’s superb start and consistent high‑level football. She hinted that even the London City Lionesses could have something to say about the evolving dynamics of the league.
Overall, Arsenal’s early season woes have sparked a chorus of analysis and concern across the football community. The combination of a heavy defeat to Manchester City, a disappointing Champions League draw, and a historically poor start to a WSL campaign has placed the club at a crossroads. While critics question the direction, supporters and former players emphasize the need for patience, strategic adjustments, and belief in the squad’s underlying quality. As the international break provides a brief respite, the Gunners will have the opportunity to regroup, reassess their tactics, and aim to climb back up the table when the league resumes.
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can arrest their slide and re‑ignite a challenge for the title, or if the season will become a longer, more arduous rebuilding process.