Arsenal pulled off another emphatic Emirates Stadium win with a 5-1 victory over Leicester City. With several injuries impacting Renée Slegers’ preferred starting eleven, she spoke to The Gooner Fanzine about how this performance demonstrated the squad’s versatility and depth.

“I think so many players do so well today, we have a great squad.” Said Slegers, “Even if we’ve had consistent starting elevens, it’s still very hard to pick those elevens because of the quality we have in the squad and how well players train.”

Referencing the injuries within the squad, and how other members of the team have stepped up, she continued:

“Today we had a couple of players that we couldn’t choose, but the way players then step in, players that haven’t played for a while maybe from the start, very good, so I’m very happy with them.”

Slegers explained how difficult it is for players to play different roles:

“It’s not always easy, and to do that, and especially… going away for international break and then going back here and having to play that role straight away. It is very strong from the players.”

On the subject of players who have not necessarily had as many starts or minutes this season, Slegers spoke to The Gooner about Stina Blackstenius and her performance against Leicester.

“There are a couple of things that she does out of possession that are on such a high level today.” She said, “Things that we have been working on with her.”

She spoke of Blackstenius’ ability to play multiple roles across the pitch:

“The way she goes back and defends and how else she works in counter pressure, and then of course, with her physical profile, how strong and fast she is can impact so much.”

She finished, praising Blackstenius: “I think she brings a lot to our game today.”