Renée Slegers has revealed how Arsenal Women have worked to solve their final-third problems before facing Manchester United.
Arsenal were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace despite dominating possession and creating a huge volume of attempts. As we examined in our analysis of Arsenal Women’s finishing problems against Palace, the Gunners generated 2.57 expected goals without finding the net.
That followed a narrow 1-0 victory over Brighton, leaving Arsenal with only one goal from their opening two WSL matches.
Slegers has now outlined the work taking place behind the scenes before Saturday’s meeting with Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.
Slegers Reveals Arsenal’s Final-Third Work
Arsenal had little trouble reaching dangerous areas against Palace.
Turning that territorial dominance into clear chances proved considerably harder.
Speaking in her pre-Manchester United press conference on Arsenal’s official website, Slegers explained that the coaching staff have reviewed how Arsenal can create better opportunities when opponents fill the penalty area with bodies.
The issue was clear against Palace.
Arsenal regularly reached the final third but struggled to manufacture enough space centrally once their opponents settled into a deep defensive shape.
Slegers said Arsenal have analysed those situations with the players and taken possible solutions onto the training pitch.
Saturday should provide the first indication of whether that work has made a difference.
Manchester United arrive in north London looking for a response themselves after suffering a heavy defeat against Chelsea.
Cerci and Reuteler Could Boost Arsenal Attack
Slegers could also have more attacking options available.
Selina Cerci and Géraldine Reuteler missed Arsenal’s opening WSL fixtures following disrupted pre-seasons, but Slegers confirmed in her latest Arsenal Women team-news update that both could now come into contention.
Their availability would give Arsenal additional ways to alter games from the bench.
That could become particularly important if Manchester United defend compactly and ask Arsenal to solve similar problems to those encountered against Palace.
It also reinforces the value of the extensive squad changes made during Arsenal’s major Women’s team rebuild ahead of the new WSL season.
Greater attacking depth was designed for precisely this type of demanding run.
We’re looking to set a new record in the WSL on Saturday 👊
Here's a look back at our 19 unbeaten matches so far 👇
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) September 17, 2026
Élisa De Almeida Ruled Out Against Manchester United
There is less positive news defensively.
Slegers confirmed that Élisa De Almeida will not be available against Manchester United.
The France international joined Arsenal from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month and was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace.
She now adds to the defensive selection issues Slegers must manage during a busy period.
The Arsenal head coach also provided updates on the wider squad during her full pre-match press conference, with Cerci and Reuteler offering the most encouraging news ahead of Saturday.
Those options could become increasingly important as the fixture schedule intensifies.
Arsenal Enter Huge WSL Run
Manchester United begins a major stretch of league fixtures for Arsenal.
The Gunners face United before travelling to Chelsea and Manchester City in their following two WSL matches.
Arsenal’s official 2026/27 WSL fixture list confirms the sequence, which comes alongside the start of the Women’s Champions League league phase.
That creates a significant squad-management challenge for Slegers.
Her attacking options must be rotated carefully, while Arsenal also need to find greater efficiency in front of goal after the frustration against Palace.
The wider ReadArsenal guide to Arsenal Women will continue to track the squad throughout the season.
For now, Saturday provides the immediate test.
Slegers has identified the problem, Arsenal have spent the week working on potential solutions, and Manchester United will provide the first opportunity to see whether those adjustments translate into goals.
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