United defeat: Renee Slegers tells Arsenal women how to respond

Arsenal Women manager Renée Slegers says her side must move on quickly following their League Cup semi-final defeat.
The Gunners were beaten one-nil by Manchester United Women, missing out on a place in the final.

The defeat brought an end to Arsenal’s hopes in the competition this season. For Manchester United, the result secured a first-ever appearance in the League Cup final.

A single goal settled the match in the first half. Elisabeth Terland found the net in the 47th minute to make the difference.

However, clear chances were limited as United stayed organised at the back. The visitors defended deep and forced Arsenal into wide areas.

Arsenal’s situation worsened in the second half. Olivia Smith was shown a red card in the 61st minute of the match.

Slegers focused on the next challenge

Speaking after the game, Slegers said the team must move on quickly. She stressed the need for recovery and preparation ahead of the next fixture.

“We have to recover,” she said. “We have to get ready for Saturday. We stick to our review processes, so we are going to learn from this. Then we have to move on quickly as well to the next game against Chelsea.”

Slegers also shared her view on the team’s performance. She felt Arsenal started the match well and controlled large spells of play.

“I think we started the game really well,” Renée said. “I think we dominated most parts of the game, even without Liv on the pitch, with one player down. The story of the game, it’s about moments that make a really big impact. And then it’s us progressing the ball really well into their area.

“We just don’t get the goal so easily at the moment, so we’re working really hard to make that happen. But there are so many things we do so well. The one piece that’s missing at the moment is being clinical in and around the box.”

Her comments reflected frustration at missed chances rather than overall play. She pointed to small moments as the key difference on the night.

Arsenal will now turn their attention to league action. They are set to travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea Women on Saturday.

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