Renee Slegers’ bold approach—will it define Arsenal’s season? | OneFootball

Arsenal deals & transfers January 2025

As Arsenal continue to move up the table, tactical shifts under Renee Slegers have fans asking, with key matches ahead, will their bold approach hold up?

Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Arsenal moved up the table with a thrilling victory at the Joie Stadium, overtaking Manchester City to move into the Champions League places behind Chelsea and Manchester United.

What stood out is the evolution of the team under Renee Slegers, compared to its structure under Jonas Eidevall. Slegers has undoubtedly improved Arsenal’s creativity and attacking play, though at the expense of some defensive solidity.

The team remains aggressive in pressing high, winning possession in dangerous areas, a strategy that directly contributed to the opening goal and numerous other chances.

This newfound attacking intent, coupled with Gareth Taylor’s offensive approach, led to an exhilarating 4-3 scoreline. Both teams exchanged blows in a game that felt like a prize fight, each seeking the decisive knockout punch in the final half-hour.

Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Arsenal only tightened defensively when Lia Wälti was introduced to restore balance and composure. She replaced Kyra Cooney-Cross, an excellent attacking midfielder with strong passing and shooting ability, but whose partnership with Caldentey in midfield remains unbalanced.

Under pressure, Cooney-Cross can sometimes make costly decisions, an area for development.

Under Eidevall’s more conservative approach, Wälti would likely have started if fit. Full credit to Slegers for her attacking philosophy, which ultimately won Arsenal the match.

Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Team Selection & Tactical Adjustments

The starting XI was: van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley; Cooney-Cross, Caldentey; Russo, Maanum, Mead; Blackstenius.

With Katie McCabe suspended and injuries to Kim Little, Caitlin Foord, and Lina Hurtig, the lineup was mostly expected, aside from Blackstenius starting up front and the selection of Cooney-Cross and Caldentey as the midfield pivot.

As in the previous game, Arsenal’s bench was heavily defensive, featuring two goalkeepers, five defenders, one midfielder (Wälti), and one forward (Kafaji). In the end, Wälti and Kafaji entered the match, with Ilestedt making a late cameo to help see out the result.

Refereeing Controversy & VAR Debate

The officiating was once again a talking point, with the referee and her assistant wrongly awarding Manchester City a penalty for a foul committed outside the box. Slegers previously mentioned the need for VAR, but its implementation remains a financial and logistical challenge in the WSL. Many grounds lack the infrastructure for a full camera system, making VAR infeasible in the short term.

A potential solution could be FIFA’s semi-automated Football Video Support (FVS) system, currently in trials. Had this system been in place, Arsenal would have been able to challenge the decision and request a review.

The FA and WPLL should strongly consider becoming a test league for this technology next season.

What’s Next for Arsenal?

This victory was a crucial one for Slegers and her team, especially after last weekend’s undeserved defeat at Chelsea. The top of the table now stands as follows:

The fixture list remains relentless. Arsenal must face Manchester City again on Thursday in the Subway Cup semi-final at Meadow Park, before taking on London City Lionesses in the Women’s FA Cup Round 5 next Sunday.

With these being games six and seven since January 19th, fatigue is undoubtedly a growing concern. Expect rotation on Thursday and significant changes for Sunday’s fixture.