Arsenal must be “more clinical with the chances” says Slegers after Chelsea defeat

Renée Slegers spoke with the press after a disappointing 1-0 loss to London rivals Chelsea – her first defeat as Arsenal manager and one that likely means it will another season without league silverware for the Gunners.

It was a far more exciting game than the scoreline suggests, with any outcome possible until very late on. Slegers praised the quality of the game from a neutral perspective but didn’t hide her disappointment in the outcome, which was decided by Guro Reiten’s 84th-minute penalty.

“If I distance myself from my role, it was a very good game for women’s football. I think we had to get through that first period, that first 10 minutes, as we knew Chelsea would come out fast and get in behind us, and that’s what they did. I’m happy the girls got through that phase of the game, as they then established themselves more in the game and got more control to play the game that we wanted to play, even though we were more sloppy than we usually would be. We played some really good football, what was lacking today was the goals,” Slegers suggested.

The game was ultimately decided by a penalty given late on that Chelsea calmly put away to take the three points. Katie McCabe was also sent off for foul and abusive language in the aftermath of the decision – but Slegers kept her thoughts to herself on both decisions and refused to use them as excuses for the loss.

“I’ve seen some footage and it looks like Kim [Little] gets the ball first, but it’s not on me to comment more on that. We should’ve positioned ourselves better behind the ball to stop the counterattack.”

“I think it was words between Katie and the referee but I don’t know the details.”

One positive to take from this afternoon for Arsenal is that they managed to go toe-to-toe with one of the world’s best sides. The Gunners had plenty of chances to make this a very different afternoon for the travelling fans.

“I think that we are improving as a team, especially with how we handle different phases of the game. Psychologically we are in a state where we can stay in a game whatever happens. If I could play the game again today I would want to because we are good enough to do more against Chelsea if we are more clinical with the chances.”

This marks Slegers’ first defeat as Arsenal boss after a 13 game unbeaten run that moved them back into the title race. Today’s result means Slegers faces a new challenge – and she made it clear she knows they can improve.

“Of course I’m very happy with the run so far, I just think today we played against a top team in a tight game and it was going to go one way or the other. It could’ve been a 0-0 or 1-1 game, so I think we have a strong enough foundation. I’m very disappointed and though we could’ve got something out of the game.”

Arsenal next play when they host Bristol City in their postponed Adobe Women’s FA Cup tie on Wednesday 29th January.