Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has credited her team’s strong defense for their good recent run, which has seen them close the gap to just three points behind Chelsea in the WSL.
The Gunners beat their London rivals 2-0 over the weekend, all but killing Chelsea’s title hopes.
Arsenal’s defense key to Chelsea win
Beating Chelsea is rare, but keeping a clean sheet against the six-time reigning champions is almost unheard of.
Arsenal managed to do just that on Sunday, with Chelsea failing to find the back of the net for only the second time in a game this season.
Goals from Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey secured a huge three points for the Gunners.
Beth Mead loves scoring against Chelsea! 💥 pic.twitter.com/mL7VweR6Ue
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 24, 2026
Renee Slegers was quick to give credit to her strong back line after the game as they kept their fifth clean sheet in the league.
“Lately, we’ve been defending really well,” Slegers said. “There’s been a couple of clean sheets now which we pride ourselves on and that’s always the starting point, the foundation.
“The way we progress the ball up to the pitch and the way we stop the opposition from getting shots off against us, there’s a lot of good things but you can only get three points if you score a goal. That’s definitely a focus area.”
Arsenal have conceded just one goal in their last six games and their defense is playing like one of the best in the world right now.
Slegers will need to rely on her defenders to keep performing for the remainder of the season, as the Gunners can ill afford any slip ups in the WSL.
Will Arsenal finish above Chelsea?
The WSL title looks like it will be heading to Manchester for the first time in six years, but that doesn’t mean Arsenal have nothing to play for.
Only the top two teams in the WSL automatically qualify for the Champions League – with third place having to play qualifiers at the beginning of next season.
There is now just four points separating second and fourth in the league. Chelsea only sit one point above Arsenal and the race for a top two finish is well and truly on.
The Blues have to play Manchester City and Spurs in their next two fixtures which have become must win games despite there still being nine to play.
Arsenal also face City again in two weeks and a result against the champions-elect for either of the London clubs could swing their season.
