Arsenal Women were back in WSL action on Sunday and secured a narrow but much-needed 1-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.
Renée Slegers’ side had been winless in their previous four matches in all competitions, adding pressure to get a result on the day. Arsenal took an early lead via a Marisa Olislagers own goal, as the Brighton defender inadvertently put the ball into her own net from an Olivia Smith cross into the box.
The Gunners had chances to extend their lead but could not find a second goal, and the game ended with the 1-0 scoreline.
Slegers Delighted with Return to Winning Ways
After the game, Renée Slegers reacted to the performance and result, expressing her delight at a return to winning form. She told Arsenal media:
“I think we started well and we spent a lot of time in their half. We got the goal in the first half, I think the most important thing today was the three points.
“Of course, everyone knows that results haven’t come easy to us the last couple of games, so everything that we wanted today was three points and we got three points.
“I think there’s some good moments in the game and there’s some moments we can do better, want to do better, but most importantly, we won today and we got the three points.”
Room for Improvement
While Slegers would have been pleased with the result, the performance was far from convincing. Issues with ball progression persisted, as Arsenal struggled to create chances at will despite dominating possession.
For the second week in a row, the Gunners failed to build on early momentum after firing five shots and taking the lead within the first 20 minutes. The visitors even created higher expected goals at the break.
Central progression continues to be a concern, with Mariona Caldentey often drifting to the left side to find space, leaving Arsenal lopsided in their build-up play.
Bright Spots in Midfield
Aside from the win, the performance of the substitutes was a major positive. In particular, the energetic display from Australian Kyra Cooney-Cross stood out, as she continues to make an impression despite limited minutes under Slegers.
It was not a vintage performance, but it was a crucial win heading into the next phase of fixtures.
Any thoughts on Arsenal’s performance against Brighton?
Leave your views in the comments below.
Benjamin Kenneth
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Renee has not yet known her regular strikers as the attack line up keeps on changing in every game. If possible it helps Arsenal to recall Ageyemang from Brighton loan. Like Eze she has earnest desire to play for her childhood club. Winning at home by a solitary own goal against a lesser team Brighton is not galvanising. Toothless team despite world class strikers who won trophies with their respective countries. If the monetary values of Arsenal players is compared to Brighton’s, winning 1-0 is incomprehensible. Why we fool ourselves?
I can’t see why Ageyemang was sent on loan. She has surely proved herself at international level. Isn’t that good enough for a regular squad position at her home club?
Jax,
I agree with you regards Ageyemang, but I guess that they felt she would get more game time at Brighton this season.
But having watched the women so far this season, it sure is a shame that we cannot call upon Ageyemang or for Kafaji for that matter. 🤷♂️👍
Ambachew,
Arsenal cannot recall Ageyemang until the season is over. The same goes for Kafaji.
Having said in earlier posts that I’m now starting to question certain things regarding Slegers. Well on reading her after match thoughts on the Brighton game.
She claims to be proud of the teams performance, well if that’s the standard of performance that makes her proud, we have big problems.
Derek, well stated 2nd paragraph the 4 lines….
BIG PROBLEM!
I wish our ladies success today.