Renée Slegers spoke to the media after Arsenal’s victory in south-west London over Crystal Palace in the Women’s Super League.

A sunny afternoon in Sutton saw Beth Mead and Alessia Russo make the difference alongside an own goal from the Palace captain, as Arsenal defeated the Eagles 4-0.

The game saw Jenna Nighswonger get her first WSL start, a long awaited appearance from Rosa Kafaji as well as Kyra Cooney-Cross returning to the pitch after a couple of matches on the bench.

But what did the manager have to say about the performance?

Slegers stressed the importance of “turning things around both mentally and physically” after their midweek European success, she praised the staff and players for their hard work:

“I’m very impressed with how staff and players have worked to turn this around and get ready for this game.”

Her side managed to harness the joy of a midweek European win, and produce another convincing victory this afternoon, with Slegers “very happy with the performance and the three points.” 

Slegers made all five substitutions today, exciting fans by giving minutes to the rarely featured Rosa Kafaji. When asked by the Gooner Fanzine about Kafaji’s performance, Slegers said:

“She wants it very badly, she wants to play and she wants to get involved and I think it is hard when you get little time on the pitch, you want to do everything all at once, and so that’s maybe what you saw a little bit today.” 

She went on to say, “She’s working really hard in training as well, and I think you saw all the potential she has, the quality she has today.”

When asked about Kyra Cooney-Cross and her recent reduction in playing time, Slegers told the Gooner it is simply due to loading.

“We have five midfielders at the moment available, so it’s been high competition. We try to use everybody to the strength in moments and games… she’s been working hard in the training.”

Spoke to Renée Slegers about Kyra Cooney-Cross and Rosa Kafaji after today’s game, here’s what she had to say…? @Boodlepim for @GoonerFanzine pic.twitter.com/DhzIAdVw2B

— Isobel Gilligan (@isobelgilligan) March 30, 2025

Slegers also spoke about Jenna Nighswonger, who had her first WSL start today and put in an impressive performance. 

“It’s very impressive where she’s at, position, perspective and that you guys see the quality with the left foot that she can bring.” The Arsenal boss also said that she felt Nighswonger was very “determined and feisty today.”

Slegers discussed whether Chloe Kelly’s arrival has been a driving force on how Arsenal have been managing to overcome defensive blocks more successfully in recent games.

“In general, we play with some more fluidity and freedom… we have certain spaces and certain things we want to set up, but we can enter from different directions, or with different pace… and Chloe is, of course, a very strong physical player.” 

Finally, Slegers was asked about the importance of nurturing academy talent, to which she responded: 

“It’s very important. We have academy players training with us consistently and so that’s been good. I’m happy for our young players, both when they get a chance to train with us and learn from the best European players.” 

Speaking of academy players, she praised Katie Reid who had some minutes from the bench today: “Katie Reid is doing very well, she is just 18 and she’s getting minutes for us and we see her as a big talent.”

After a successful week in the Arsenal camp, the majority of the players are heading off on international break, with WSL and UEFA Women’s Champions League action returning after that.