Arsenal sit tenth in WSL, Slegers says they are not in title conversation
Renee Slegers admits Arsenal's poor start leaves them out of the title race.
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has stated her team is not in contention for the Women's Super League title following a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City. This loss leaves Arsenal in tenth place, ten points behind the league leaders. The match saw Arsenal take the lead twice at the Etihad, but City made a strong comeback to secure the victory and reclaim the top spot in the standings as the international break approaches.
This defeat marks Arsenal's second loss in just five matches, contributing to their worst start to a WSL season since 2014. The pressure on Slegers has heightened, especially after the Gunners' recent 2-2 draw against Paris FC in the Champions League, where they squandered a two-goal lead late in the game. The team's inability to maintain leads has raised concerns about their performance this season.
In light of these challenges, Slegers announced plans for a thorough review of the team's performance during the international break. She acknowledged the need to analyse various aspects of the team's approach, including training and overall strategy. Slegers expressed disappointment over the team's defensive lapses, stating that conceding four goals is unacceptable and highlighting the need for improvement in critical moments of matches.
Despite the struggles, Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz expressed confidence in Arsenal's potential, suggesting they will be competitive in the title race later in the season. Meanwhile, former Scotland international Rachel Corsie noted that the pressure extends beyond Slegers to the entire squad, emphasising the high expectations that come with representing Arsenal. Corsie believes the team still has the quality to turn their season around, although it will be an uphill battle.
Sky Sports pundits have weighed in on the situation, with some advocating for Slegers to remain in her position. They highlighted the need for tactical adjustments, particularly in midfield, to enhance the team's cohesion and performance. The consensus is that while Chelsea and Manchester City appear to be the frontrunners, Arsenal still has time to recover and make an impact in the league.
via Sky Sports