Arsenal Women manager Renée Slegers has declared a 'real hunger' exists within her squad to finally end the club's Women's Super League title wait. The Gunners begin their 2026/27 campaign away to Brighton & Hove Albion this Sunday, aiming to improve on last season's second-place finish.
This news was first reported by sports.yahoo.com. Slegers believes the current group is the strongest she has worked with during her tenure. Arsenal have not lifted the WSL trophy since the 2018/19 season, a seven-year gap they are desperate to close. They finished the 2025 season in second place with 51 points from 22 games, winning 15, drawing six and losing just once.
What is the mood in the Arsenal camp?
Renée Slegers has been open about the team's ambitions. "We've been open with it; that's something we're going after," she said. "Of course we are, because we are Arsenal, and that's something we should have as a goal." The manager pointed to a productive six-week preparation period and stressed the importance of translating that work into competitive performance from the first whistle.
She confirmed that the issue of slow starts, which has been a topic in previous seasons, has been discussed extensively with staff, captains, and the wider player group. The entire squad, aside from three rehabilitation players, is fit and available for selection as the new season kicks off. You can view the full available roster on our squad page.
How has the squad been strengthened?
The club's recruitment strategy continues to blend experienced players in their prime with promising younger talent. Their latest addition is France international defender Elisa De Almeida, who completed a move from Paris Saint-Germain yesterday. De Almeida spent five years with the French giants but is unlikely to feature against Brighton due to visa processing and limited training time with her new teammates.
Slegers praised the work of the club's recruitment department behind the scenes. The squad's depth will be vital across a long campaign where endurance, consistency, and unpredictability are key. Arsenal scored 53 goals and conceded only 14 last term, finishing with a formidable +39 goal difference.
What is the challenge against Brighton?
Sunday's season opener at Broadfield Stadium presents a tricky test. Brighton have undergone a late managerial change with Arturo Ruiz now at the helm. The head-to-head record from last season was mixed for Arsenal; they won the home game at the Emirates Stadium but lost the other two encounters with the Seagulls.
Kick-off is set for 12pm BST. A strong start is most important for a team with title aspirations. The Gunners ended the previous campaign just four points behind champions Manchester City, a gap they will aim to overturn. Fans can track the evolving standings throughout the new season.
Who are the unavailable players?
Three players are currently in rehabilitation and will not be part of the matchday squad for the opener. Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, defender Katie Reid, and forward Michelle Agyemang are all working their way back to full fitness. Their return timelines will be important for squad rotation as the fixture list builds.
With the rest of the group ready, Slegers's focus is entirely on Brighton. When asked if this was her strongest Arsenal squad, her response was simple: "Yeah, I would say so." The team's recent form at the end of last season was strong, finishing with a sequence of results recorded as WWWDW. Arsenal Women begin their title quest at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday, September 6th.
