Arsenal were 2-0 winners at West Ham on Sunday afternoon thanks to second half goals from Mariona (penalty) and Rosa Kafaji. Renee Slegers spoke to the press post-match, the first three questions are from Arseblog News.
On whether Arsenal had a plan to expose West Ham’s high defensive line…
Yeah they are very compact between their lines but you can see they play a high line at times without much pressure on the ball, we thought the space would be behind their lines. You see that especially in the first half that we tried to play into that.
On the quadruple substitution just before the hour mark and how it changed the game…
There is always a bit of pre-planning so we go through different scenarios, we are always prepared for the decisions we have to make, you have to make decisions in the middle of the game and if you are not prepared, emotions can take over. We go through with the players all these different scenarios, we knew they were going to play a role today but just not when it would happen in the game. Early in the second half we felt like it was right to make those changes.
On Leah Williamson being an unused sub and not being involved in the pre-match warm up…
We are just managing her, she has played a lot of minutes, it has been a big block for us so we are just managing her.
On the emotions after a big week…
A lot of emotions, we have been sad as a team. What we have dealt with really well is the uncertainties ahead, we stayed in the moment and the players have done that really well. The players got themselves together and spoke about what they could do to help the team and the club and they have done that really well.
On the relief of winning her two games in charge so far…
It is what we wanted, we knew we had these two games ahead of us and we wanted to win them both and we have to be happy with it.
On Rosa Kafaji coming on to score her first Arsenal goal…
For players it is a big step to come to a club like Arsenal, adjusting to a different environment and team and adjusting to the tempo of the league and we have respected that players need that time. But Rosa is adjusting really well and I am very happy for her to score her first goal today.
On how the players have responded to her…
I only have praise, because I know it is hard for them so I am very happy for them. They took accountability, they took responsibility and they did it so it was about staying in the moment and they did it.
On the subs making a big impact…
You always want to believe the players will have an impact when you bring them on, I am very happy for them, it is a big squad with a lot of good players so I am always happy when players come on and have a big impact.
On whether she is enjoying being the Head Coach…
I always enjoy working with this staff and with the team, I enjoy solving the puzzles that are in front of us in the game.
14.van Domselaar; 2.Fox (62.Reid ‘89), 5.L.Codina, 7.Catley, 11.McCabe; 10.Little(c) (32.Cooney-Cross ‘58), 13.Walti; 19.Foord (9.Mead ‘58), 12.L.Maanum (25.Blackstenius ‘58), 8.Mariona; 23.Russo (16.Kafaji ‘58).
Unused: 1.Zinsberger, 6.Williamson, 17.Hurtig, 22.Kuhl.
Grand job, Renee Slegers. It wasn’t working, you changed it and we were immediately more threatening.
Well done to the players.
That last half hour gave me a lot of hope. And it was fun to watch.
Yes the final half hour was enjoyable. If we can play like that from the start perhaps many of the matches will be won by half time so we don’t have to work so hard!
A very good win if we isolate the score line. We still moved the ball too slow especially in the first half. On to the next game after the interlull! COYGG!!
Good work all round, Renee. Well done AWFC
They could ask the players if they prefer a male or female coach. This was questioned at Chelsea and they preferred a woman. This is a non-sexist opinion.
I think the former coach would never have made such a change. The quadruple made a difference. The timing was also very favorable for the change. It became more offensive, which was great to see.
Yes, I agree it seemed quite significant that RS made a quadruple sub at 60 minutes. It was bold. Even better that she took off *all* the players that were having a bad day at the office. It was a good signal to the squad that we had to get the win, come what may.
Well, that was nail biting at times. First half was Jonas-core football and it’s no surprise the same midfield started. I don’t know how many times I have to say it but this team does not have the capacity to carry a Little-Walti pivot anymore. The former has simply lost it at the elite level and the latter is having to do a lot. Add a Frida Maanum that can’t pick a pass, can’t link up properly, and can’t win physical duels to the mix and you have a recipe for disaster. Again for the umpteenth time, Frida and Russo… Read more »
Kim Little has not “lost it” – she was targeted aggressively by the West Ham players in difficult weather conditions to play in – have you forgotten already her superb performances this season already? Whilst she won’t always play 90 minutes throughout the season, Kim will still be an incredible “contributor to the cause”. And in pretty much every game, she still turns up as the last line of defence at least once to avert a dangerous attack – whilst the so often heralded, and rightly so, Miediema, perhaps did this once per season. Separately, Rosa’s goal was sublime, whilst… Read more »
If you think Kim Little hasn’t lost it at the most elite level, I have no words. She’s had way more poor games than good ones this season. The fact that she starts every game hinders our midfield. She’s no longer a superb ball retainer and her attacking and defensive contributions have regressed. It’s no shame in saying a 34yr old going on 35 is losing it. She’s been a great servant but she absolutely shouldn’t be a mainstay in the team. Especially when she’s paired with Walti. Can’t afford that midfield pairing right now. Saying Russo has been superb… Read more »
I guess I must partially accept your comments upon Kim, who is of course 34, but IMO she will still be a significant contributor this season & hopefully next, whilst not always featuring for 90 minutes. Let’s remember that Kim Little was FA Player of the Year in 2010 & 2013, BBC Player of the Year in 2016, MVP & Golden Boot Winner in her 1st season with Seattle Reign in 2014, and has been named in the WSL Team of the Year 3 times since 2019. Kim was recently called the “Queen of Arsenal” by Kelly Smith, whilst the… Read more »
Well the first hour of the game is an hour of my life I’ll never get back! Any how well done Renee Slegers for making the change. Thought Stina and Rosa made a real difference. Rosa’s goal was lovely all round with the ball put through by Mariona to the exquisite finish. Rosa is going to be a real player, the ball she attempted from the left wing for Stina in the inside left channel with the outside of her right foot a few minutes after the goal was outrageous and if she starts executing those passes, defences will be… Read more »
Spot on about Rosa Kafaji. I’m torn between 🤨 and 😲, sometimes!
She might have saved eidevall’s reign..
Two wins from two, a week of high drama – mostly off the pitch and everyone can take a much needed breather during the break. West Ham were disciplined and made it really difficult for the first hour. It looked like a carbon copy of previous low block games where’s there’s a lot of huff and puff with no real threat at their goal. If you don’t get the early goal and disrupt the opposition game plan then it’s refresh the team with the subs to go again against a tiring team, there’s nothing to suggest that wasn’t part of… Read more »
I really think we need to get actual quality defenders. It’s no coincidence that we concede anytime we play the big teams. Shipped 5 vs Bayer, 2 vs Chelsea and City. Our clean sheets tend to come vs the smaller teams. I simply don’t trust Codina in the long term. She has this main character syndrome in her play that makes her make unnecessary mistakes and when it gets really physical, she’s lacking. Lotte is Lotte, could be solid for majority of a game but will make the wildest mistake from nowhere. Ilestedt was never the long term solution. Need… Read more »
I’d agree, the midfield hasn’t always offered the best protection and the players we have at CB don’t scream top tier, some have flaws that are on show a little too often to compete at the top table especially now as we aren’t scoring enough goals.
Vicky was meant to be Kim’s understudy but of course the injury has put paid to that for the season. I’m not sure the management will be rushing to bring in another with KCC also on the books. Finding another Wally is going to be the challenge!
We also have katrine kuhl…
We do but don’t see her as the new Kim.
No, but still a very talented player that perhaps deserved abit more playing time.
They did try though with the bid for Walsh, is that piece of work still in progress. With or without Jonas, the squad progression plan must still be in place. Walti (31) needs cover and Little (34) need replacing next summer. Is what we have currently good enough to compete at the top table
Firstly, Kim Little IS irreplaceable, and secondly, Keira Walsh is a great player & may be a great signing, but she ain’t at or near the level of our Kim.
Mmm! Says something when you are starting one of the world’s best left backs (not necessarily my opinion but that is what we were told when she arrived!) at centre back. To be fair she seemed to be better there as she wasn’t being caught out of position up the pitch like when she plays left back. I would like to see Katie Reid get the starting nod more often. She may be young and inexperienced but give her a run in the team and she’ll still be young but have a lot more experience by the end of the… Read more »
I think age and injuries have caught up a little with catley. A real shame that she was injured so much during her first couple of years that perhaps we never saw her in her prime.
Agree Katie should get more minutes, and I suspect probably will do, but it is irresponsible to suggest about the “accidents waiting to happen” Peter – Laia is a top defender IMO whilst LWM is a significant & important contributor to our team.
And Leah Williamson is and always will be, a very special Arsenal player!
I accept and respect your difference in opinion but I think you should look for a different adjective to “irresponsible” which suggests I have been careless and not considered the consequences of my comments. How does me stating that our two centre backs have regular errors in their play (which I understand is not a belief unique to me) have consequences so serious I should not have mentioned it?
My apologies, Peter – you are consistently a fair and decent commentator & it was an unfortunate choice of word.
No worries and thank you. I always enjoy your regular contributions too whether we agree or not! 🙂
Yes! I’ve always somehow preferred Catley at CB over LB. Her defending in her supposedly favoured position gives me headache a lot of the time. Always seems a bit more composed at CB. And yes! I love your Katie Reid suggestion. Wouldn’t mind her getting more game time at all. Loved her in preseason and would welcome her into the team as a starter. BTW, what do we think the future holds for Teyah Goldie? Another favourite of mine who has had terrible luck with injuries. Looked really good as a prospect but unsure what we’ll be getting. Looks good… Read more »
Not sure about Teyah. She has been on the fringe of the first team for a while but injuries really have plagued her development. I think she has the capability to take over from Leah longer term but the fly in the ointment is if she can stay fit for the season. Playing in the Championship might not be against WSL quality players but if she is injury prone that is more likely to show up playing regularly in the Championship rather than warming a bench in the WSL. I hope she has a good season and then we can… Read more »
Codina is that player, as time will tell………..
We’re definitely missing Pelova but it is ridiculous to even speculate that Kim Little’s position is under threat – she has had some great performances this season already and is as first class player as any player can be, even at 34. Whilst she won’t always play 90 minutes, Kim will have a brilliant season. I disagree 100% with your analysis of Stina, who has been a superb contributor up front for a long time, and is so often under appreciated. Agree that Daphne is showing up as an excellent keeper – it’s such a crucial position too. Young Kyra… Read more »
I feel like you’re deliberately trying to wind people up with these analyses cos there’s no way you actually believe the things you’re saying. Lmao.