Slegers: Arsenal have surrendered title hopes after Man City collapse

The defeat on Super Sunday compounds Arsenal's worst WSL start since 2014. The visitors led twice at the Etihad but capitulated in the closing stages as City's substitutes altered the game's momentum and delivered the decisive blows.

It marks Arsenal's second loss in five matches, following a frustrating 2-2 draw at Paris FC in the Champions League midweek. That collapse—when they held a two-goal advantage—had already heaped scrutiny on Slegers' position.

Speaking after Sunday's loss, the Dutch coach acknowledged the reality. "At the moment we're not in the (title) conversation, no," she told Sky Sports. She pinpointed defensive frailty as the core issue, adding: "We can't concede four goals."

Slegers said Arsenal will use the international break to conduct a thorough internal review covering training methodology and broader operational matters. The mental toll of repeatedly squandering winning positions is also weighing on her squad.

However, City boss Andree Jeglertz offered public backing. "They are a great football team," he said. "I'm pretty sure when we end up in the spring that they will definitely be up there and fighting about the title."

Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie, analysing for Sky Sports, agreed the situation is recoverable but warned that "it's an uphill battle from here" given Arsenal now sit tenth, according to the report.