Is Renee Slegers' Arsenal Future at Risk Amid Winless WSL Start?

Before the Women’s Super League kicked off this season, Arsenal was widely seen as the team to beat. Their transfer activity had strengthened the squad depth more than any other club, setting high expectations for a title challenge. After all, they had won the Champions League in 2025 and were Manchester City’s main rival for the league crown last year.

Yet, despite this promising setup, Arsenal has struggled to find consistent form. They have managed only one victory in their first six league matches, leaving manager Renee Slegers under mounting pressure. The Gunners now sit eighth in a 14-team league, trailing the leaders by 12 points in what is a short 26-game campaign.

Where Has Arsenal Gone Wrong?

A major issue has been Arsenal’s difficulty breaking down teams that defend deep. This isn’t new for them, but they seemed to have improved last season, dropping points just twice in 16 games where they dominated possession. Their most commanding wins came against Leicester, Everton, OH Leuven, and Benfica.

This season tells a different story. Matches against Crystal Palace and Birmingham City saw Arsenal control about 75% of possession but fail to secure wins, drawing 0-0 and 1-1 respectively. Even in the Champions League against Koge, their 70% ball dominance barely translated into a narrow 1-0 win thanks to a late penalty.

The slow tempo when in possession means opponents rarely get pulled out of position, reducing scoring chances. When chances do arise, Arsenal has not been clinical—no WSL team is underperforming their expected goals metric more than them.

Slegers Shows Signs of Frustration

Usually composed, Slegers’ frustration has become more visible recently. After a 2-2 draw with Paris FC in the Champions League, during which an unusual handball contributed to losing a two-goal lead, she skipped the post-match press conference. Assistant coach Aaron D’Antino spoke instead. Reports indicated she was emotional in the dressing room, sparking speculation about her tenure. She later apologized for not addressing the media.

Following the Birmingham draw, her frustration surfaced again, though less dramatically. Still, it reflected the growing pressure on her as head coach.

Questionable Tactical Choices

While players ultimately must execute on the pitch, questions have arisen about Slegers’ management decisions. Notably, summer signing Geraldine Reuteler has seen limited playing time, surprising many given the size of the squad. Rotating goalkeepers has also drawn scrutiny amid some costly errors.

On Saturday, the decision to field Alessia Russo as a No.10 alongside Stina Blackstenius upfront didn’t work well against Birmingham’s low block. Blues manager Amy Merricks revealed she shifted striker Oceane Hurtre to attack Arsenal’s left side deliberately. Hurtre scored her sixth WSL goal in that game.

Ona Batlle, signed from Barcelona, plays left-back despite being right-footed—a position she is used to but one that opponents seem to exploit. The question arises whether Batlle is best positioned there or if her deployment is due to strong competition from Emily Fox and Smilla Holmberg at right-back.

Future Uncertain but Change May Come from Within

Slegers insists the problems are fixable, pointing to defensive lapses and finishing as key issues. “It would be a bigger problem if we weren’t playing the Arsenal way, controlling games and dominating,” she said. “We’ve done that in every match.”

Her record remains impressive, having led Arsenal to their first English women’s team Champions League win since 2007 less than two years ago. Yet, doubts linger about whether fresh leadership might better steer the club toward their lofty ambitions.

“I still believe I can impact and help the team move forwards,” Slegers stated, “but if that’s no longer the case, then a change needs to happen.”

It seems likely that any shift in leadership will come from Slegers herself rather than the club pushing her out. Meanwhile, North London rivals Tottenham will hope to capitalize on Arsenal’s troubles when they meet soon, perhaps prompting further reflection within the Gunners camp.