Slegers: Going back to basics has loosened something at Arsenal

Slegers credits back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Benfica to returning to basics and simplifying tactics after a difficult five-game winless run.

Arsenal Women have arrested their poor form with consecutive victories over Tottenham and Benfica this week, lifting the gloom that had surrounded the club after a five-game winless streak left them ten points off the WSL summit.

Head coach Renee Slegers told Sky Sports the turnaround came from going back to basics and cutting through the noise that had built up during their struggles. "The key has been to go back to basics, the fight and the duels and the tactical basics," she said. "Something has loosened, which is good." The 3-0 Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday was described by Slegers as their most complete performance of the season, with the team showing bravery in the final third and moving the ball quickly to exploit spaces.

Alessia Russo scored a hat-trick against Benfica and now has 23 goals in the Women's Champions League, the most by any English player in the competition's history. Arsenal face Aston Villa in the WSL on Sunday.