We’re only five matches into the WSL season, yet Arsenal already find themselves 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.
Renee Slegers’ side have won just two of their opening seven matches in all competitions and sit 10th in the WSL table.
Just one of those wins has come in the WSL, with defending champions City inflicting a second league loss on the Gunners on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal twice led at the Etihad through goals from summer signing Lisa Baum and Alessia Russo.
However, efforts from Khadija Shaw, Kerstin Casparij and a brace from Lauren Hemp were enough to tip the scoreline 4-2 in City’s favour.
While there’s certainly no shame in losing to the reigning champions, it’s a worrying start for Slegers and co.
Arsenal haven’t won a WSL trophy since 2019, with slow starts repeatedly proving costly.
That’s not to say the North Londoners haven’t enjoyed recent success. Slegers did lead Arsenal to the Women’s Champions League title in 2025.
However, they failed to lift a domestic trophy last season. A second-place finish in the WSL and a semi-final exit in the Champions League was as good as it got.
Is Renee Slegers’ Job at Risk?
Asked whether she was feeling the pressure after Sunday’s loss, Slegers told the BBC: “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. I see perspective.
“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.”
Slegers certainly seemed to have the backing of Arsenal’s 2,500 travelling fans in Manchester as she gathered the players for their customary huddle.
The red section of the crowd sang “North London Forever” as the players thanked them for their support.
By all accounts, it seems like the club’s hierarchy share a similar sentiment. Sources insist she retains their full backing and, while there is acknowledgement that results have not been good enough, they believe Slegers can guide them in the right direction.
Can Arsenal Salvage Their Season?
If Renee Slegers is to turn things around, she’ll need to help the Gunners rediscover their firepower.
Arsenal had scored just twice before facing Manchester City on Sunday. That toothlessness has seen them remain winless since their WSL opener against Brighton – their worst winless streak since October 2023.
Spurning a two-goal lead to Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League also won’t have helped confidence levels, with Leah Williamson’s bizarre error summing up a frustrating start to the season.
However, Slegers believes results are closer than they seem.
“First of all, it’s not about me anyway. I have energy, I feel the connection and I think we’re going through a really difficult time but we also see perspective,” she said.
“We look forward and see solutions. We see the closeness (of the squad). It’s not that we’re totally away from it or off it, it’s been consistently about margins.
“We have to work to get them on our side but when we do, I think we’ll be really good. Of course, it’s been a long run without the results we wanted.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the club and I care about the club.”
