Arsenal’s dramatic victory against Manchester United crowned a sensational conclusion to the 2022-23 Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign. This match victory earned them the second spot in the league table. The final game of the tournament, held in summer-like conditions at the Emirates Stadium, was a classic, with manager Renee Slegers’ squad showing incredible perseverance and talent. Their proverbial on-field victory was a formidable accomplishment in itself. It gets them ready for a huge final they have in two weeks.
Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly got the scoring underway just 115 seconds into the match, handing her side an early advantage. Manchester United responded with Ella Toone levelling things up just ten minutes later. This goal ignited an intense climate that persisted for the remainder of the match.
A Resilient Performance
Even after conceding a cruelly-timed equalizer, Slegers’ team held their nerve well and continued to build momentum. Frida Maanum showed real intelligence to retake the lead for Arsenal with a pinpoint header. Mariona Caldentey then slotted home a penalty to make their lead even greater. Elisabeth Terland added her tenth goal of the season, bringing an ever-increasing margin to the number of goals from the Vittsjo roster. At the same time, Maya le Tissier rocketed home a penalty kick.
Looking back, Slegers was proud of how well the team had performed. She stressed the importance of finishing the league season on a positive note, particularly after falling short in recent years.
“After the last two results we were determined to finish the league season on a high. We put on a good performance, scored good goals, to put us in a really good place going into the final in two weeks. We’ve got so much belief and quality in this team. We know we can beat good teams.” – Renee Slegers
Even the manager admitted this was a team that had been through a lot of changes during the season, building new relationships and plays. She acknowledged that finding equilibrium in the group’s internal energy was still key as they looked towards their new obstacles ahead.
Looking Ahead
As the season came to close, Slegers highlighted the importance of finishing second on the table. Instead, this remarkable feat is not only a testament to the team’s trajectory but propels them with momentum into their final.
“It was very important to secure second place in the table and now we have a final to look forward to. We played the game that was in front of us. I’m really proud of us finding a way to win.” – Renee Slegers
The 2-0 victory at home against Manchester United last week felt like a celebration of Arsenal’s collective grit and determination. After conceding five goals against Aston Villa and four against Brighton in previous matches, this victory was a much-needed boost for both the players and fans.
Chloe Kelly, who had been on loan at Arsenal and was recognized as the best player on the pitch, expressed her hopes of having repaid her team for their support.
“I hope I have repaid them.” – Chloe Kelly
Her opening minutes goal really got things started and it was exactly the kind of match that Steinberg would want from his talisman.
The Road Ahead
Arsenal are preparing for their final in two weeks’ time. In the meantime, Slegers is extremely focused on continuing to prepare her squad to face the best of the best. She pointed to their aggressive, flexible approach as an integral part of their game plan going forward.
“The team has changed a bit throughout the season and we’ve been developing different connections, my job is to try to balance the team but also be dynamic. We try to be fluid, when we’re able to be that we’re at our best.” – Renee Slegers
With quite the schedule laid out before them, every little detail was critical, Slegers noted as the team prepared for find success across various competitions. The players’ hard work and dedication has paved the way for this opportunity, and their passionate fan base is hungry for what’s next.
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