Renée Slegers insists she has the full confidence of Arsenal's leadership as she attempts to arrest a run of form that has left the Gunners seven points adrift of WSL leaders Manchester City — with a trip to the Etihad Campus on Sunday threatening to make that gap even wider.

The 37-year-old Dutchwoman goes into the fixture having overseen just one win in five matches across all competitions. Wednesday's Women's Champions League trip to Paris FC epitomised the frustration: Arsenal led by two goals only to concede a late, controversial penalty — Leah Williamson penalised for handling when she believed she was taking a goal-kick — and the Gunners came away with a draw they will feel was undeserved in the worst possible sense.

Slegers was absent from the post-match press conference that night, with assistant Aaron D'Antino stepping in. She addressed that on Friday, explaining: "After the game there was emotion from my end. [I] make the decision to be with the team instead." She added that she would be in front of the media next time.

Board backing in a 'difficult time'

What is clear is that the club's senior figures have rallied around her. Asked directly whether she feels the board's full support, Slegers did not hesitate. "Yes, that's what I felt. That's been positive and that's helped me," she said. "The leadership from Clare [Wheatley, director of football], Rich [Garlick, CEO], James [King, director of football operations] and Jodie [Taylor, technical director] has been superb. Everyone thinks this is a difficult time and this is not something that we want for the team and for the club — but there's a strong togetherness and I've really felt their support."

In the WSL, Arsenal have scored only twice in their four league games, sitting seventh with five points. City, defending champions under Andrée Jeglertz — who took charge in the summer of 2025 — are top with a perfect 12 points from 12, having won every home league game since his appointment. The gulf between the sides in the table reflects a very different trajectory, and Sunday's fixture feels like a genuine crossroads moment for Slegers's tenure.

'Monumental leadership' from the group

Despite the grim run, Slegers was keen to credit her squad's response in training since Wednesday. She praised the captains in particular, saying the senior players had shown "monumental leadership" — the strongest she had witnessed in her career in football so far. "They're very calm, composed, solution-orientated and laser-focused," she said. "It was a great moment and I think vital for us moving forward."

She also made clear that her own emotional response to recent results will be channelled constructively. "I'm angry, I'm really angry, and let's try to use the emotions that we're feeling and let it fuel us moving forward," she told her squad after the Paris FC draw.

The market has naturally taken notice of Arsenal's struggles, and the noises out of the club suggest Slegers still has time and trust. But Sunday will sharpen that picture quickly. A trip to City, who have conceded just once in the league all season, gives the Gunners precious little margin for error if they are to keep the title conversation alive before October is even a fortnight old.

Kick-off on Sunday is at 12:30.

Frequently asked

Is Renée Slegers under threat of the sack at Arsenal Women?
As of Friday 2 October, Slegers says she has the full backing of Arsenal's board, with CEO Rich Garlick, director of football Clare Wheatley and technical director Jodie Taylor all described as supportive. However, one win in five matches means pressure is mounting, and Sunday's trip to Manchester City is seen as a pivotal test.
What time does Arsenal Women vs Man City kick off on Sunday?
Arsenal travel to Manchester City on Sunday with kick-off at 12:30. The match is at the Etihad Campus.
How far behind Man City are Arsenal in the WSL table?
After four WSL matches, Arsenal sit seventh with five points while Manchester City lead the table with a perfect 12 points. That leaves a seven-point gap between the two sides at this early stage of the season.