**Arsenal**had topped the Women’s Super League table for most of the weekend with a 4-1 win over London City on Saturday afternoon. Three points started the season in the best way and left Renee Slegers sharing how "proud" she was of an achievement that has crowned the 'reneessance' of 2025.
‘The players stayed calm’
After a 2-1 triumph for **Chelsea**against Man City, the Gunners responded to go to the top of the table. But Slegers was not about to get ahead of herself despite the margin of victory at full time.
“The result is 4-1, so that looks very convincing, and we were convincing in the end. But the start of the game was very hard. Of course, it's the first game back of the season, the first competitive game.”
**London City**have added many experienced players this summer to a unique project as the first fully independent outfit in the Women's Super League. That complicated the preparation for the hosts.
Kosovare Asllani led by example, putting London City into the lead from the penalty spot. However, **Arsenal**adapted to the pressing of their opponents and deservedly walked away with the triumph.
“It's against an opponent that we prepared for, but still, there are a lot of unknowns because of so many new players in their squad. We had to figure things out, and then, they got the penalty in that moment, and we had to come back from that. I'm proud that the players stayed calm, constructive.”
‘What Liv did was great’
Chloe Kelly, Stina Blackstenius, and Frida Maanum would score the following three goals of the game as **Arsenal**took on board the changes that they needed to make to dispatch their opponents.
“So we did find a solution. We stepped up in our intensity, and I think after 20-25 minutes, especially in the second half, we started connecting like we wanted to on the pitch. We start to understand each other again and create rhythm in our game. So in the end, I'm really happy with the performance.”
Olivia Smith earned the trust of the manager to start at the first opportunity. She dazzled with her dribbling and speed on the flanks, offering a lot to be impressed with on her competitive debut.
“I think there are a lot of things that individuals do well today on the pitch and in general. But of course, what Liv did was great and fantastic. Scoring the goals, it's always high-pressure moments, and you get very little time to execute your actions and your decisions. I think she did that brilliantly.”
Her leveller from range caught the eye: she has the quality to be a difference in big moments.
“She brings a lot of threat. There are a lot of individual actions that other players do on the pitch as well that you don't maybe notice much, but hopefully, the fans can see all those things as well.”
‘We are so grateful’
Slegers is the first WSL manager to win her first nine home matches in the competition. It is another feather in the cap of a woman who has turned around the fortunes of the club to dramatic effect. But it has never been a solo effort, and she felt it was appropriate to thank the unsung heroes in her corner.
“I was going to say, I'm not here alone. There's a squad of 24 players, there's a very big staff doing all this work, and we've been working together for a while now. So I'm really proud of that as a team.”
In June, **Arsenal**announced that the Women's team would play all eleven of their WSL fixtures at the Emirates Stadium. It is a stage that Slegers embraces to allow support for the side to keep growing.
“It does feel like home here. We love being here. This is such a special place to be here in London. It's a fantastic stadium that is always filled with so many passionate fans. We are so grateful.”
**London City**might be a new project, but the Gunners have historically been big advocates for the women's game in England. The Dutchwoman declared her pride at contributing to this heritage.
“I'm very proud to be part of Arsenal and be proud of this club that's always driving things forward.”