Is Renee Slegers Facing the Axe as Arsenal Struggles Continue in WSL?
At the start of the Women’s Super League season, Arsenal seemed poised to dominate. Fresh from a strong transfer window and boasting a squad depth few could rival, they were tipped as title favourites. This team had clinched the Champions League in 2025 and stood as Manchester City’s closest rival the following year.
Yet, reality has been harsh. After six league games, Arsenal have managed just one victory, dragging them down to eighth place out of 14 teams—12 points behind the leaders in a season of only 26 games. Their recent draw against newly promoted Birmingham City marked five straight WSL matches without a win, a first in club history.
What’s Behind Arsenal’s Struggles?
The Gunners’ issues are familiar yet frustrating. Defending against teams parking the bus has always been a challenge, but last season it seemed they had made strides. Dominating possession often translated into wins, as seen in their victories over Leicester, Everton, OH Leuven, and Benfica.
This term tells a different story. Against Crystal Palace, Arsenal held 79% possession yet couldn’t break through for a goal. The same happened versus Birmingham with 76% possession ending 1-1, and a narrow Champions League win over Koge thanks to a late penalty. Their expected goals statistics reveal a glaring inefficiency—no WSL side underperforms more in converting chances.
Pressure Mounts on Renee Slegers
Renee Slegers, typically composed, has begun showing signs of frustration. After a Champions League draw with Paris FC where Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead, she skipped the post-match press conference, with assistant coach Aaron D’Antino stepping in instead. Reports say she was visibly upset in the dressing room, sparking rumors about her future.
Though she later apologized for not speaking to the media, tensions remain high. Following the Birmingham game, her dissatisfaction with the squad’s performance was evident, even if expressed calmly.
Questionable Decisions Under Scrutiny
Slegers isn’t blameless. Questions surround her handling of a large squad and certain tactical choices. Notably, summer signing Geraldine Reuteler has seen limited playing time, raising eyebrows. The goalkeeper rotation has also drawn criticism amid some costly errors.
Some formations seem forced. For example, Alessia Russo operated as a No.10 while Stina Blackstenius led the line against Birmingham, a pairing ineffective against a low defensive block. Birmingham’s manager Amy Merricks revealed she deliberately positioned goal-scorer Oceane Hurtre on the right wing to exploit Arsenal’s left side.
Ona Batlle, signed from Barcelona and naturally right-footed, has been deployed at left-back—a role she’s accustomed to but which opponents now target. This raises questions about whether this is the best use of her talents or simply a makeshift solution given the options at right-back like Emily Fox and Smilla Holmberg.
Is Change on the Horizon?
When asked if the current problems can be solved, Slegers responded firmly: “Yes, of course.” She pinpointed defensive weaknesses and goal-scoring struggles as key areas to fix, emphasizing that the team still plays the Arsenal way, dominating possession and controlling games.
Despite these assurances, doubts linger. With the league title now seeming out of reach, many wonder if fresh leadership is needed. Slegers still believes she can guide the team forward but admitted, “If that’s not the case anymore, then a change needs to happen.”
Whether any shift in management comes from Arsenal or from Slegers herself remains uncertain. Meanwhile, North London rivals Tottenham will hope to capitalize on Arsenal’s difficulties when they face off this weekend, potentially adding more fuel to the ongoing debate about the Gunners’ direction.
- WSL Standings after 6 Games:
- Arsenal Position: 8th out of 14
- Wins: 1
- Points behind leaders: 12
- Winless streak: 5 games
- Possession stats in recent games: 70-79%
- Expected goals performance: Worst conversion rate in WSL
