Arsenal trail WSL leaders by ten points as Slegers' future hangs in balance

At the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, a subdued Arsenal side walked off after a 4-2 loss to Manchester City, leaving the Gunners ten points behind the WSL leaders and sparking fresh doubts about manager Renee Slegers' position.

Early season struggles

Only five matches into the Women's Super League campaign, Arsenal have secured two wins from seven across all competitions and sit tenth in the table.

The defeat to City added to a run of four winless WSL games, the club’s worst streak since October 2023, and left them with just four points from their opening five league fixtures.

Champions League success contrasted with domestic woes

Slegers guided Arsenal to the Women's Champions League title in 2025, yet the side failed to capture any domestic trophies last season, finishing second in the WSL and reaching the European semi‑finals.

Despite that continental glory, Arsenal have scored only two league goals before Sunday, with Alessia Russo’s 49th‑minute strike against City marking her first WSL goal of the season.

Player recruitment and early preparation

The club invested heavily in the summer window, signing England international Georgia Stanway, Spain full‑back Ona Batlle and young German forward Lisa Baum in an effort to avoid a slow start.

Those arrivals, intended to ensure a full pre‑season, have not translated into the expected early results.

Slegers' response and club backing

After the loss, Slegers gathered her players in a team huddle before addressing the 2,500 travelling supporters, thanking them for their support and emphasizing her continued energy and commitment.

She told the crowd, “I mostly went there to thank them, connect with them and show I care for the club and the players.”

Sources close to the club say she retains full backing, despite growing fan criticism.

Looking ahead

Slegers announced a comprehensive review during the upcoming international break, promising to identify the season’s problems and restore momentum.

She added, “I have energy, I feel the connection and we see perspective; we will work to get the margins on our side.”