Is Renee Slegers Facing the Axe as Arsenal Struggles Continue in WSL?
Arsenal's Title Hopes Fade Amidst Winless Streak
Before the Women’s Super League season kicked off, Arsenal were widely seen as favourites to clinch the title. The squad looked strong, having made smart signings and boasting depth unmatched in the league. With a Champions League win in 2025 and a close challenge for the WSL crown in 2026, expectations were high.
Yet after six league games, Arsenal have managed just one victory. Their recent draw against newly-promoted Birmingham City extended a run of five WSL matches without a win — a first in the club's history. Sitting eighth out of fourteen teams, they trail the leaders by 12 points in a 26-game season, making a title chase look unlikely.
Where Things Have Gone Wrong
One recurring problem has been Arsenal’s difficulty breaking down teams that defend deep. This isn’t new for them, but last season they seemed to have overcome it. In the previous year, with majority possession, they only dropped points twice across the WSL and Champions League combined.
This season, though, the story is different. Against Crystal Palace and Birmingham, Arsenal dominated possession (79% and 76%, respectively) but failed to secure wins, drawing both matches. Even in the Champions League, a 1-0 win over Koge came courtesy of a late penalty, despite holding 70% possession. The team struggles to maintain tempo in their build-up, which means opponents are rarely pulled out of position. Their expected goals numbers suggest they’re underperforming more than any other WSL side.
Slegers’ Frustration Surfaces
Renee Slegers usually keeps a composed front, but her irritation has become visible lately. After a 2-2 draw with Paris FC where a controversial handball influenced the outcome, she skipped the press conference, leaving assistant Aaron D’Antino to speak. Reports said she was in tears afterward, sparking rumors about her future. She later apologized for missing the media session.
Following the Birmingham draw, Slegers expressed more frustration than usual, though she kept it measured. It’s clear the pressure is mounting on her shoulders.
Questionable Decisions Adding Fuel
The head coach’s choices have come under scrutiny. Squad management is in question, especially the limited playing time given to summer signing Geraldine Reuteler. Frequent goalkeeper rotations have also raised eyebrows, with some errors creeping in.
At times, player roles seem forced. Alessia Russo played as a No.10 while Stina Blackstenius led the attack against Birmingham, a setup that didn’t break down the low block defense they faced. Birmingham’s manager, Amy Merricks, revealed she deliberately positioned Oceane Hurtre to target Arsenal’s left side, exploiting Ona Batlle’s natural right-footedness despite her role at left-back. This exposes whether Batlle is best suited there or simply filling in due to other options occupying their preferred positions.
Future Prospects: Will There Be Change?
When asked if Arsenal’s issues can be fixed, Slegers was confident. She pointed to defensive frailties and finishing problems as areas to address, noting the team still plays their style and dominates possession.
Despite past success, including leading Arsenal to Europe’s first women’s Champions League title for an English team since 2007, the idea of fresh leadership is gaining traction among observers. Slegers herself hinted at this possibility: "I still believe I can impact and help the team move forwards," she said, "but if that’s not the case anymore, then a change needs to happen." Whether that change comes from the club or Slegers’ own decision remains uncertain.
North London rivals Tottenham, who held Arsenal to a goalless draw last season, will look to capitalize on this turmoil when they meet soon, hoping to deepen the Gunners’ current crisis.
