Renee Slegers makes history as Arsenal Women smash 4 past rivals in opener
Arsenal Women began their Women’s Super League season with an impressive 4-1 victory against newly promoted London City Lionesses at the Emirates.
The win was another milestone for Renée Slegers, who became the first manager in WSL history to win her first nine league games at home.
Lionesses strike first but Arsenal respond
The visitors surprised the crowd when they took the lead in the 17th minute. Kosovare Asllani converted a penalty after Katie Reid fouled her inside the box.
Arsenal looked unsettled after conceding, but soon regained control of the game. New summer signing Olivia Smith equalised in the 29th minute with a brilliant long-range strike.
Her effort showed exactly why the club invested heavily in her.
That goal shifted the momentum in Arsenal’s favour, and they pushed forward with confidence. Just before half-time, Chloe Kelly finished off a sharp move.
She latched onto a precise pass from Alessia Russo in the 47th minute to give Arsenal the lead.
Arsenal finish strongly after the break
The home side kept the pressure on after the restart and nearly extended their advantage. Victoria Pelova failed to convert after an excellent pass from Smith in the 51st minute.
London City almost punished Arsenal’s missed chances when Rofiat Imuran hit the post with a powerful effort. The Gunners’ defence looked shaky, but the visitors could not take full advantage.
Substitute Stina Blackstenius missed a clear chance to score but redeemed herself later. In the 83rd minute, she slotted home confidently after Beth Mead set her up.
The Gunners wrapped up the victory shortly after when another substitute, Frida Maanum, headed in from a second Mead assist. It sealed a convincing 4-1 result and delighted the home supporters.
The result not only gave Arsenal the perfect start to their new campaign but also underlined their strength in depth.
Slegers has now made history, becoming the first manager in WSL history to win her first nine home league games.
The post Renee Slegers makes history as Arsenal Women smash 4 past rivals in opener first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.