**Arsenal edged out Bayern Munich [3-2](https://thehalfwayline.com/2024/12/18/arsenal-3-2-bayern-munich-player-ratings-as-gunners-top-group-c/) yesterday evening to secure their spot at the top of Group C in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL).**
The Gunners interim head coach spoke to the media following the landmark victory, describing the occasion as _“Very satisfying, it was a hard day, tough opposition, they have so many tools in how they can threaten you. We had to deal with it and we did.”_
Having opted to play with a front two of Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo, the interim head coach explained her decision. _“Everyone knows Stina is a powerful, physical, fast player and Bayern spends a lot of time in a mid block with space in behind their formation, so we wanted to have Stina on the pitch to try to stretch them,”_ Slegers said.
_‘It wasn’t always the prettiest football’_
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Arsenal put a strong Bayern side to the test, and Slegers expressed her delight at the result following a competitive match in the rain, under the lights at a packed out Meadow Park.
The interim head coach said: _“The girls were very composed today with all the scenarios they had to deal with, with goals being scored against, us leading, them coming back, the weather conditions. I was very impressed with how the girls stayed composed and focused on the task.”_
Slegers continued, _“It wasn’t always the prettiest football but it was hard to play pretty football today. I am happy we found a way to win when the situation doesn’t allow us to play our game and we have to respect our opponent but we found a way to win. It shows big mental strength with the team.”_
Reflecting upon the lead up to Arsenal’s comeback after losing 5-2 to Alexander Straus’ side back in October, the interim head coach explained, _“It was mostly important for us to keep on winning, that was the main goal, to keep on winning and I think if we look at the eight teams that progress to the quarter-finals, they are all very good teams and women’s football is growing so much that there is more quality spread and more teams.”_
[Embed from Getty Images](http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2190604679)
_‘I am just really happy that we got this_ _win’_ says Slegers
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Asked whether she truly believes Arsenal can go on to beat any team in Europe, Slegers answered without hesitation: _“I think so, we have a top squad. It is demanding and we have had so many challenges now over the last couple of months and many times we came out positively, the team has shown grit and determination, in combination with quality players and their idea of how we are together when we play football.”_
The interim head coach looked back on her time in the role, the club not yet revealing their future managerial plans. _“It has been very intense, it is a big club with big players, great players, great resources and facilities, there was already such a great foundation but I have learned a lot about what this role is in a big club like Arsenal,”_ told Slegers.
The interim head coach clarified, _“I am just really happy that we got this win and topped the group, it was a big performance of the team and the club. We had two objectives from this block, to be in striking distance in the WSL and we climbed one spot and qualify for the quarter-finals and, if we can, win the group, so we are successful with both which is very strong.”_
_“It has been very intense with many challenges to overcome as a team, we just need the break and I am sure I will have communication with the club, but I want to have a break too,”_ Slegers concluded.
The winter break is now upon us, and Arsenal will return to Adobe Women’s FA Cup action on January 12 when they host Bristol City.