Renée Slegers Praises Arsenal’s Resilience After Comeback Win Over Lyon

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers hailed her side’s character after they produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Lyon 2–1 in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final.

The victory gives the Gunners a narrow advantage heading into the return leg, as they continue their pursuit of European glory.

Arsenal Respond Strongly After Early Setback

Lyon, who were beaten by Arsenal at the same stage of last season’s competition, made a bright start and took the lead in the 19th minute through a well-worked counter-attacking goal finished by Jule Brand.

However, Arsenal emerged with renewed intensity after the interval and were rewarded with an equaliser, as Lyon’s Ingrid Engen inadvertently turned the ball into her own net following an error from goalkeeper Christiane Endler.

The turnaround was completed in the closing stages when Olivia Smith capitalised on further uncertainty in the Lyon defence to score the winner with just seven minutes remaining.

Tactical Adjustments Prove Decisive

Slegers credited her side’s improved pressing and tactical clarity after the break as key factors behind the comeback.

“We applied more pressure on the ball and had greater clarity in how and where we wanted to press,” she told BBC Two.

“That was the main message at half-time, and the players executed it with conviction in the second half.

“It is only half-time in the tie, but based on our preparation, many aspects of the performance unfolded as we had planned.”

She added: “We started well in the first half, although we wanted to be more aggressive in our pressing. We already had some good solutions on the pitch, and the half-time discussion was very productive. You could see the difference in the way we approached the second half.”

Historic Win and Squad Depth Highlighted

The result marked Arsenal’s first home victory over Lyon, who had previously won at Borehamwood during the league phase earlier in the season.

The Gunners’ success is made more notable given the absence of key players. Beth Mead was unavailable due to personal reasons, while fellow England forward Chloe Kelly missed out with a minor muscular injury.

Despite these setbacks, Slegers emphasised the strength in depth within her squad.

“With such a demanding schedule, we need everyone ready to contribute,” she said.

“We have players who can perform whether they start, come off the bench, or feature in the next match. That is a significant strength for us at the moment.”

Focus Shifts Back to Domestic Campaign

Arsenal remain firmly in contention on multiple fronts, with their domestic ambitions also receiving a boost following Manchester City’s defeat to Brighton in the Women’s Super League.

Slegers’ side return to league action on Wednesday with a fixture against bottom-placed Leicester City, as they continue their push for silverware on both domestic and European stages.