‘The Arsenal way!’ Renee Slegers on thrilling win over Manchester City | OneFootball

Renee Slegers praised her side for playing “the Arsenal way” to win a 4-3 thriller against Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.

The hard-fought contest was decided by a Stina Blackstenius strike in the 78th minute after City had battled back from behind twice.

The result lifts the Gunners to third, above City, and 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea ahead of the north London derby on 16th February.

Slegers said: “The different types of goals that we scored today are all part of the Arsenal way. But the Arsenal way is not only our football, it is who we are as human beings and as a group.

“Passing is central, patience is central, we want to problem solve, we want to press.

“I was hurt after the loss against Chelsea and we analysed and I went to myself and said ‘Who are we? What’s the Arsenal way? What’s our identity? How are we going to win games?’”

Controversy struck in the 55th minute when City were awarded a penalty despite Aoba Fujino appearing to have been fouled by Steph Catley outside of the box.

The Arsenal boss has already been outspoken on the WSL’s need for VAR, following a match-defining penalty in the Chelsea game last week.

She said: “We had video on the bench and it looks like it happens outside of the box.

“We want to grow the women’s game so all aspects are important. It’s not up to me but to the people who create the strategies for women’s football to decide what is best.

“There is a lot at stake and you see it in the men’s game and now it is growing in the women’s, so fair play and fair decisions are important in our game.”

Chloe Kelly joined the Gunners on loan from City before the transfer window closed, as well as United States defender Jenna Nighswonger to bolster their side as they push for Champions League football.

Kelly is cup-tied in the FA Cup and will not be able to face her parent club when the two sides meet again on Thursday but Slegers expects the winger to debut against Tottenham Hotspur in two weeks.

Slegers said: “We’re very happy with the squad with Jenna and Chloe coming in, they make us better, they make us stronger, they make us more versatile so I’m very happy with the squad.”