It is only five matches into the Women's Super League season and Arsenal are already 10 points behind leaders Manchester City - so is manager Renee Slegers' position at risk? The Gunners have won just two of their opening seven matches in all competitions and sit 10th in the WSL table. It is dismal reading for Arsenal fans, whose optimism has quickly diminished and their 4-2 defeat at City on Sunday added further salt to their wounds.
The Gunners have not won a WSL title since 2019 and it has been a familiar story each year as slow starts have ultimately proven costly. Slegers did lead Arsenal to the Women's Champions League title in 2025. But they failed to win any trophies last season, although they did finish second in the WSL and reach the semi-finals in the defence of their European crown.
Asked if she was worried about her position, Slegers said: "All I know so far is that the last couple of days we have been together as a club, and a team. "We have been aligned in the direction. Of course, this result is disappointing but I'm here and I'm full of energy.
I care a lot for the club and the players. "It's good to have an international break coming up. It's good for the players to change environment, play their football elsewhere, then come back in with new energy." Why are Arsenal struggling to score in WSL?
Find interviews and extra content on the BBC Women's Football Weekly feed At full-time on Sunday, Slegers gathered her dejected players in a familiar team huddle before walking over to their fans. She stood in front of the 2,500 away supporters at Etihad Stadium applauding as they sang "North London Forever" in a somewhat emotional release. She was greeted warmly and it did not look like a fanbase who were keen to push her out of the door.
Arsenal had performed reasonably well against City, took the lead twice and were ultimately undone by small margins. "I mostly went there to thank them, connect with them and show them I care for them and I appreciate them coming out to Manchester," said Slegers. "I also wanted to show that – not that I feel sorry for them as I'm a big part of it too – but they are coming here and not getting the rewards, just like the team.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
