‘We want to be active in four competitions’ – Slegers reacts to Arsenal’s victory at Brighton | OneFootball

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers was pleased with her side’s performance as they defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 in a Subway Women’s League Cup quarter-final tie at Broadfield Stadium last night.

The current trophy holders advanced to the semi-finals thanks to goals from Frida Maanum, Katie McCabe, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Mariona Caldentey.

Reflecting on her side’s victory, Slegers told the media that she was happy with Arsenal’s statement win as their trophy pursuit continued.

“We want to be active in four competitions, so we needed to win today for that and we did,” Slegers said. “I’m very happy with how the girls do it and I just complimented them on everything that they do day in, day out; the work they do on the training pitch, meetings in the gym and all of the problem-solving.

“We work a lot with problem-solving and creating momentum and I think you see a lot of that work coming back both against Crystal Palace and today. I’m very happy for the girls for all of the investments they make day in, day out and that leads to this; that they can perform like this, win games, solve problems and keep clean sheets as well.”

The Gunners’ victory was secured by netting three goals in quick succession in the second half. Slegers discussed how the change in momentum allowed her side to capitlise on Brighton & Hove Albion’s defensive errors.

She stated “It has to do a little bit with what we work on; when the momentum shifts, how do you manage momentum shifts in the game and how do you make it shift in your favour? I think we had very positive momentum before it was 1-0 but especially after that, so that’s when you want to keep on capitalising and that’s what the girls did really well.”

Slegers expressed her gratitude for the away fans’ support, noting their commitment and emphasising the importance of their backing in maintaining team morale and motivation.

She said “They invest their time to support us and they sing the whole game through. They were patient as well because it took us 65 minutes to score the first goal.

“We are very grateful to have those fans travelling with us.”

Arsenal are now unbeaten in 13 games under Slegers ahead of what promises to be a huge game at Chelsea at the weekend.

“I think in general, we are performing well,” Slegers said. “Winning and keeping clean sheets is good for the group because the players get rewarded for all the work they do. Their motivation levels go even higher because they feel the reward, how fun it is and the winning. That’s very important for us also leading into Sunday, but in general, for the rest of the season.”

Arsenal’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Chelsea kicks-off at 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon.