Arsenal women’s strong finish secures last-8 spot

Arsenal Women have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 season after closing the opening block of fixtures with a hard-fought victory, capping a period that saw them lift the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.

Across ten matches spanning five competitions, Renée Slegers’ side recorded eight wins, one draw and a single defeat, a sequence the head coach believes was underpinned by collective resilience. “Especially if you look at how the block starts, not how we wanted it to start,” Slegers reflected, referencing the early-season frustration against Manchester United. “But apart from that, it’s been fantastic. The mentality of the players to stay consistent and believe in our foundation… that’s been the key fact of our success.”

The latest contest, played behind closed doors and not televised due to the existing agreement between the FA and domestic broadcasters TNT Sports and Channel 4, was streamed illicitly by one enterprising supporter, highlighting ongoing tensions around fixture scheduling and visibility. Kick-off times of 11:55 a.m. or 12 p.m. have become the norm in the Women’s Super League, forcing players into early-morning pre-match routines and testing fan attendance.

Slegers made five changes to the XI that defeated OH Leuven, continuing a rotation policy that has seen her average 3.41 changes to her starting line-up and 4.93 substitutions per game this season. Anneke Borbe, Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Katie McCabe, Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord and Olivia Smith began the match, while Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Victoria Pelova, Taylor Hinds, Laia Codina and Smilla Holmberg entered the fray. A sixth substitution was required when Smith suffered a concussion and was taken to hospital for assessment; the club once made seven changes in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final against Corinthians.

Attention now turns to the international window, with three Australian players departing for the Asian Cup and European squad members joining World Cup qualifying camps. Upon their return, Arsenal will confront a six-match block featuring three league fixtures, a UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final and an FA Cup quarter-final, hoping injured players regain fitness and the travelling contingent avoids further setbacks in what remains a relatively thin squad.

SEO keywords: