Renee Slegers says she has been impressed by latest opponents Brighton and Hove Albion. The Arsenal head coach spoke about the Seagulls ahead of Wednesday night’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Broadfield Stadium which kicks off at 7:45pm.

Brighton dumped Arsenal out of this season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup and have backed that up with a win against Manchester City plus a draw at Manchester United. The Sussex side have enjoyed an excellent run of form under their current management this campaign.

Very Brave and Convinced Says Slegers

When speaking in the pre match press conference Slegers praised Brighton’s approach. The Gunners boss explained her admiration for how the Seagulls play both in and out of possession which demonstrates their tactical versatility throughout matches.

Slegers highlighted Brighton’s ability to adjust to opposition and circumstances. The Arsenal manager said they have versatility and can do things in different ways which has clearly caught her attention during her preparation for the fixture.

Set Pieces Will Be Key Area

Arsenal were punished from set plays in their recent defeat to Brighton and Slegers says defending dead balls will be key in the upcoming game. The Gunners conceded both goals from a throw in and from a corner at Borehamwood which is frankly an area that needs addressing.

Slegers confirmed her team are very aware of the threat Brighton pose from set pieces. The visitors have some really tall players and strong headers of the ball which makes dead ball situations dangerous for any opponent facing them.

Happy With Busy Schedule

As a result of Arsenal’s extended run in the UEFA Women’s Champions League which ended at the weekend the Gunners have been contesting two games a week. Slegers is comfortable with her side’s schedule and wants to play games which shows the squad’s confidence.

Also read: Steph Catley Signs New Arsenal Deal in the Most Heartwarming Announcement Women’s Football Has Ever Seen

Ciara Grant is one of the most decorated players in Arsenal Women’s history, spending 15 extraordinary years at the club and collecting 11 league titles, nine FA Cups, nine League Cups and a UEFA Champions League along the way.

Her story, from kicking a ball on the streets of Waterford to being immortalised on the walls of Emirates Stadium, is one of women’s football’s greatest ever careers.

From Waterford Streets to Arsenal’s Midfield Engine

Grant joined her local Waterford side Benfica at just 13, playing senior football long before modern regulations would have allowed it. At 20, a chance encounter with Arsenal manager Vic Akers at a five-a-side tournament in Ireland changed everything.

She turned down a scholarship offer in the United States to move to London, arriving by boat with fellow Irish player Carol Conlon and settling into a house near Highbury alongside other overseas recruits.

She won the Player of the Year award in only her second season.

A Position Change That Defined Her Legacy

In 2004/05, then assistant manager Emma Hayes suggested moving Grant from central midfield to centre back.

The transition proved inspired. She went on to anchor Arsenal’s defence for another eight seasons, forming a crucial partnership with Anita Asante during the iconic 2006/07 campaign when the club won the quadruple, including their first Champions League title. Grant was tasked with marking Brazilian superstar Marta in the final, held at a packed Meadow Park, and kept her quiet across both legs.

Life After Football and a Lasting Legacy

Grant retired in 2015 having never held a professional contract, working full time throughout her entire playing career. With 105 international caps for Ireland she sits seventh on the all time appearance list.

Her face now features on the Emirates Stadium exterior as part of the Invincibles wrap, a permanent reminder of what she helped build.

Also read: Steph Catley hails special club connection as Arsenal secures new contract for the Australian defender amid recent squad renewals

Steph Catley has committed her future to Arsenal Women, putting pen to paper on a new two year contract at the club she has called home for nearly six years.

The Matildas vice captain and left back turned the occasion into one of the most charming signing announcements the women’s game has ever produced.

Calvin Steals the Show

Rather than a standard desk and camera setup, Catley brought her dog Calvin into the boardroom for the big moment. As the defender went to sign her contract, Calvin jumped onto the chair beside her and peered down at the paperwork, prompting Catley to tell him: “Look Calvy, this is how mum pays for your food!” Her mother joined the moment via Zoom from Australia, turning what could have been a routine announcement into something genuinely moving and personal.

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A Journey of Ups and Downs

Catley arrived at Arsenal and suffered an injury in her very first training session, spending much of that opening season on the sidelines and miles from home.

She has since gone on to make 165 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and winning the Champions League along the way. She told Arsenal.com that the club genuinely feels like a family and that staying was an absolute no brainer once the offer came.

Why Arsenal Felt Like the Only Choice

The 32 year old spoke candidly about the sacrifices Australian footballers make to compete in Europe, acknowledging how rare it is to find a club that truly feels like home. With a Champions League semi final second leg against Lyon on the horizon, Catley’s renewed commitment arrives at a pivotal moment for the Gunners as they push for back to back European glory.

Also read: Renee Slegers Stars in Sobha Realty’s Art of the Detail as Arsenal Boss Discusses Passion for Gardening and Teamwork With Gunners Legend Alex Scott