Arsenal Women’s head coach, Renée Slegers, expressed her disappointment following the team’s unexpected 4-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion Women, marking their second consecutive defeat in the Women’s Super League. The Gunners had previously suffered a 5-2 defeat to Aston Villa, raising concerns ahead of their final league match against Manchester United on Saturday.
Slegers acknowledged the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, stating, “The last two WSL games, we conceded nine goals, and we just said straightaway that it’s really weird and we don’t think it’s acceptable. We, of course, don’t want this to happen and there are different reasons.”
She highlighted the nature of the goals conceded against Brighton, emphasizing the need for improvement: “I think we conceded three goals from turnovers of possession. So, we’re very aware of it and now we have to learn two very tough lessons, coming off a big success.”
Looking ahead, Slegers stressed the importance of regrouping and focusing on the upcoming match: “It’s definitely not what we expected coming here and definitely not what we prepared for. From now on, we need to try and do everything to be better in the next game against Manchester United.”
The defeat leaves Arsenal in a precarious position, with their second-place finish in the league under threat. A victory against Manchester United is now crucial to secure their spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League next season Round 1, rather than starting at the bottom of Round 2 as Arsenal had to do this season.
The team’s focus will be on addressing defensive issues and regaining momentum ahead of the decisive fixture. Slegers and her squad are determined to bounce back and end the season on a positive note.
Two bad WSL games in a row for our Gunners is starting to look like bad form. I hope Renee can turn things around ahead of the Man United game and particulary our UWCL final clash with Bardelona.
How bad do you think today went for our Gunners?
Michelle M
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Ever since the Arsenal women have reached the Champions League final, they’ve fallen off in the league. They now run the risk of being third should they lose at home to United on Saturday.
That being the case they’ll have to play 4 qualifying games just to qualify for the group stages should they not win the Champions League this season. If they finish second they’ll only have to play 2 games.
While there attack has been doing okay in the last two games, their defense to put it bluntly has been abysmal. And as for the goalkeeper, well I think the club need to start looking for a better back-up keeper. She just doesn’t breed confidence to be honest.
Keep your eye on the league as well as the Champions League final ladies’, your starting to mirror the men. And we all know that’s not a good idea don’t we?. 🤦♂️🤷♂️
Touchee Derek! Let’s hope for something magical from our girls at the Emirates on Saturday when the battle for WSL 2nd & 3rd will be determined.. COYG!
Michelle,
If only they hadn’t been so complacent against Villa and Brighton. Saturdays game would not have had any jeopardy had they done their job in the previous two games. But hopefully with the backing of the Emirates fans, they’ll seal second spot on Saturday. 😉👍
They need to sign Sandra Panos Goalkeeper whos won all these competitions and use her skills and knowledge to help moving forward. She wont be expensive and I am sure she would give so much more to the team like Mariona has!
Derek is right
my view is this is a problem arising after that Lyon away game, there was too much adulation, some complacency and not what they used to be good ar, making the next game their total focus.
we look like the worst team in the WSL atm when we know, at our best, we rank amongst Europe s finest, Zinsberger can t be allowed to start another game, every other player in the team needs to accept responsibility and show in training they have the determination, fitness and desire to win every individual duel as well as playing for each other, the manager and the club ..Against United any player not performing well in the first 35 minutes needs to be substituted off 10 minutes BEFORE half time ,,, we should start the game with anyone other than Zinsburger in goal, then play Fox, Williamson, Nighswonger and Catley, Walti, Little and Cooney Cross, Foorde, Meade, Russo and Kelly … a few players need to know if they don t find form against United they will be dropped against Barcelona
OOPS I forgot Caldentey ! can t leave her out ! i would select her in place of Cooney Cross
Evan Potts,
I to agree with your post. Certain players need to start showing their worth their place in the starting line-up for the final. Some are becoming complacent it would appear.
Maybe a stint on the bench may wake them up a bit. 😉👍
I think they are a bit rusty,but also they need a quality keeper. Zinzy has picked up too much weight,she is slow sluggish. Vandomselaar is fragile. She is always out due to injury. But I am sure they will bounce back
.
Derek, you re correct ! it would be very sad if United beats us to 2nd place, after Renee s tremendous catch up this season, we deserve 2nd place at least, the team needs to pull their socks up for the last game, not be complacent and get a decent win
Derek, you re correct ! it would be very sad if United beats us to 2nd place, after Renee s tremendous catch up this season, we deserve 2nd place at least, the team needs to pull their socks up for the last game, there s no room for complacent gunners
Even Potts,
👍👍👍👍👍😉