Introduction:

The last time I wrote about a game was after Slegers’ defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup exactly a month ago. Despite the loss, I took a mostly positive view - several players put in strong performances, though the lack of squad depth was clear.

Football moves fast, and it’s crazy to think that in less than a month, it’s been Arsenal’s substitutes and tactical adjustments that made the difference in a crucial comeback win. Looking at recent performances and results - the adaptability, the resilience, and everything else - it might be time to admit that Renée Slegers is the real deal and is fully capable of leading this Arsenal team long-term.

Time reveals all - is it too early to call?

Let me play pessimist for a second and address the obvious counterarguments. Arsenal’s season isn’t over, and judging a manager on just 20 games is a bit premature. On top of that, the real tests are still to come - can Arsenal make it to Wembley in an FA Cup run?

Will they push all the way in the league and secure Champions League qualification? And how far can they go in the toughest stage of the Champions League this season? These are all valid questions, and I’ll be the first to say we should assess the full picture once the season wraps up.

Slegers has also only had one transfer window, so how she shapes and strengthens the squad over time also remains to be seen. But there’s something about the recent West Ham game, along with other performances, that makes it hard to ignore the progress. She looks every bit capable of leading this team, and it’s exciting to think this could be the beginning of a long-term project.

Reflecting on recent performances:

Since their exit from the Subway Cup a month ago, Arsenal have only played three games, with the international break making it a pretty quiet month.

The match against London City Lionesses probably won’t be remembered as one for the history books, but it did see Arsenal advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they’ll face Liverpool in just three days. Arsenal controlled the stats, but London City Lionesses were a tough challenge, with Arsenal doing just enough to secure a 2-0 win.

The biggest fixture came next, as Arsenal returned to the Emirates to take on North London rivals Spurs in a massive clash - and they more than rose to the occasion. Spurs were completely outplayed by a near-perfect Arsenal side, with five different goalscorers (four if you don't count the Clare Hunt own goal!), dominating every aspect of the game.

It was a statement win, building on their 3-0 victory earlier this season. While Spurs might not be having their best year, this performance still shows that Slegers is more than ready for the big games.

THAT comeback against West Ham:

A WSL fixture against West Ham at Meadow Park might not have looked like the game of the season on paper, but looking back, it very well might be. Yes, Arsenal should have been sharper defensively, and going 2-0 down wasn’t ideal - against a tougher opponent, a comeback might not have been on the cards.

But this team showed real determination and fight, and Slegers was tested. Arsenal have sailed through games like this recently, keeping clean sheets and scoring freely, so when things didn’t go as planned, there was a bit of panic - at least from us fans. The players and Slegers, though, never looked like they were going to lose.

Recognising that the midfield pivot of Kim Little and Lia Walti with Frida Maanum in front wasn’t working, Slegers made some bold moves. At halftime, Stina Blackstenius came on for Maanum, with Arsenal still 2-1 down, and just five minutes later, Arsenal found themselves 3-1 down.

But Slegers didn’t hesitate - she pulled both Little and Walti off, bringing on Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord. Cooney-Cross now sat as the lone midfielder, with Kelly, Caldentey, Russo, and Foord ahead, and Blackstenius leading the line. Cooney-Cross, having the season of her life, completely flipped the game on its head. Arsenal took risks, pushing their backline forward, especially McCabe, who found herself in the right spot to score a brilliant goal that pulled Arsenal back into the game at 3-2.

Chloe Kelly, who had scored the first goal for Arsenal, lined up to take a corner with Arsenal’s high press forcing West Ham into mistakes. An excellent ball in found Williamson, who equalised for Arsenal at 3-3. Slegers’ early changes had paid off.

Arsenal didn’t let up, and just four minutes after the equaliser, they were awarded a penalty for a clear handball. Caldentey converted, putting Arsenal ahead for the first time in the game. Despite some questionable officiating and nine minutes of extra time out of nowhere, Arsenal held on to secure the win and all three points.

Last season, I don’t think that would have been the outcome. Too often, substitutions were late, hesitation set in, and it felt like it was too little, too late. This time, Arsenal had the right tactical adjustments, the drive, and the passion from the players - and they were rewarded. Slegers might not have been tested in every game this season, but when she has been, she’s more than stepped up to the challenge.

A tough run of fixtures:

Despite a quieter February, the season is starting to heat up, and we're hitting a crucial point with a run of fixtures that could make or break the campaign. The toughest test is the Champions League quarter-final against Madrid, where Arsenal will need to be at their absolute best - anything less, and they’ll be out of the competition.

The league is winding down too, and it's becoming clear that every point now is going to be crucial for the final standings. Arsenal may accept that winning the league is nearly impossible, but securing second place is definitely within reach. This is a big test for Renée Slegers, but I truly believe she and this Arsenal squad are more than up for the challenge.