Only five games into the season, Arsenal trail Manchester City by ten points, putting manager Renee Slegers under fire.
The Gunners have secured just two wins from seven outings across all competitions, languishing tenth in the league.
Fans’ early optimism has evaporated, especially after a 4-2 loss to City on Sunday that deepened their disappointment.
Arsenal haven’t lifted the WSL crown since 2019, and each slow start has historically cost them dearly.
Slegers guided the team to the 2025 Women’s Champions League triumph, yet domestic silverware eluded them last season despite a second‑place league finish and a European semi‑final run.
When asked about her job security, Slegers replied, “All I know so far is that the last couple of days we have been together as a club, and a team.
“We’re aligned in direction. The result stings, but I’m still here, full of energy. I care deeply for the club and the players. I see perspective.
“The upcoming international break will help. Players can change scenery, play elsewhere, then return refreshed.
Why are Arsenal struggling to score in the WSL?
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Does Slegers have the club’s backing?
At full‑time on Sunday, Slegers gathered her dejected squad in a familiar huddle before heading toward the stands.
She faced the 2,500 travelling fans at Etihad, applauding as they sang “North London Forever” in an emotional moment.
The reception was warm, showing a fanbase not eager to push her out.
Arsenal pressed well against City, taking the lead twice before narrow margins tipped the game away.
“I mainly came to thank them, connect and show my appreciation for their support in Manchester,” Slegers said.
“I also wanted to demonstrate that, while I’m part of the club, the fans deserve recognition just as the team does.
“I simply wanted to engage rather than disappear. I don’t know how they’ll react, but I’m grateful for their presence.
Outside the arena, murmurs grow louder and Slegers senses her role is being questioned.
Club insiders claim she still enjoys full backing; they acknowledge disappointment but believe she can steer the side forward.
The summer window brought England star Georgia Stanway, Spain full‑back Ona Batlle and young German forward Lisa Baum to Arsenal.
Those early signings aimed to guarantee a complete pre‑season and avoid a sluggish start after players returned from July holidays.
Results haven’t materialised, yet Slegers is already planning a review during the international break rather than fretting about her job.
“We’ll conduct a thorough season review,” she added when asked if a deeper club issue explains the recurring slow starts.
What has led to the scrutiny?
Some problems were obvious from the outset.
Arsenal had netted only two league goals before Sunday, with Alessia Russo’s 49th‑minute strike the first of her WSL season.
That lack of cutting edge contributed to a four‑game winless run, their poorest stretch since October 2023.
The defeat also marked their second‑worst start after five matches, eclipsed only by a four‑point haul in 2014.
Confidence took a hit, and Leah Williamson’s bizarre error on Wednesday epitomised the season’s chaos.
After a 2‑2 draw with Paris FC in the Champions League, emotions ran high enough that Slegers skipped post‑match media duties.
She later explained she was angry and felt the squad needed her presence at that moment.
Despite the concerns, Slegers remained defiant on Sunday, insisting she is still the right leader for Arsenal. For my money, she merits that trust.
“It’s not about me. I have energy, I feel the connection, and we’re navigating a tough period while keeping perspective,” she said.
“We look ahead for solutions and notice the squad’s closeness. It’s never been about being distant; margins have defined us.
“We must win the players over, and when we do, we’ll be formidable. It’s been a long stretch without the results we crave.
“It’s about the club, not me, and I care deeply about its future. Will the upcoming break spark the turnaround we need?”