Renée Slegers told reporters in her post-match press conference at the Joie Stadium on Sunday that Lia Wälti was “definitely a game-changer” after being introduced as a second-half substitute.

The Swiss international came off the bench in the 69th minute to replace Kyra Cooney-Cross, with the game poised at 3-3 following Mary Fowler’s controversial equaliser from the penalty spot.

The Gunners went on to pick up all three points against Manchester City, with Stina Blackstenius bagging a late equaliser – and Slegers was full of praise for the duo.

She told reporters that Wälti “has great leadership on the pitch, she’s a great communicator, she covers a lot of space and she reads the game really well.”

“She was definitely what we needed today. I think we often speak about game-changers in an attacking point of view, but she was definitely a game-changer for us today from midfield.”

Blackstenius received high praise from Slegers too, with the Dutchwoman confirming that “we know that Stina has been very affective against Manchester City before, as soon as there is a lot of space behind opposition lines.”

Arsenal had roared into a two-goal lead inside the opening ten minutes at the Joie Stadium and were twice pegged back by Sunday’s hosts before Blackstenius’ winner sealed three points – and Slegers said she was “happy” with her side’s performance when the momentum was against them.

“I think the girls are on a very high level at the moment in how you manage those momentum shifts in games and big events influence those shifts. But I saw a great determination today as well, and they’ve been doing that well for a while now. They did well changing it back around and staying composed and not letting emotions take over. But I saw some extra determination in the girls, which was very good to see.”

On the frenetic end-to-end nature of the match, she added: “I think City, of course, [were] playing at home against us and they’re sweating. So I think the pressure was there for them. But in general, it’s two very good footballing teams playing against each other. So that’s why the game becomes like this.”

The two sides will face eachother again in midweek in Subway Women’s League Cup action.