Renee Slegers expressed her delight after Arsenal Women delivered a commanding 4-0 victory away to OH Leuven in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final play-off.
Under the lights in Belgium, the Gunners produced a complete performance, sharp in attack, disciplined at the back, and ruthless in front of goal.
The comprehensive win not only handed Arsenal a clean sheet but also placed them firmly in control heading into the return leg on home soil.
Speaking after the final whistle, Slegers made it clear she could not have asked for much more from her side.
“Happy, everything we wanted. Clean sheets, goals, good performances, a lot of players involved, a lot of players contributing to the team’s performances. Really happy,” Slegers said.
“This was only the first half, so we still have those 90 minutes to play at home, but it’s a really good starting position for the second leg.
“There were some really good goals. I think, again, three out of the four, I have to watch them back, but they are such good goals, all the way, how we combine and build up to that final finish.
“Really happy with how the team is performing.”
Arsenal’s fluid build-up play and clinical edge in the final third proved decisive, with several goals showcasing intricate passing moves before the finishing touch.
The clean sheet, meanwhile, highlighted the team’s balance and focus across the pitch.
The evening also marked a major milestone for captain Kim Little, who made her 400th appearance for the club: a testament to her longevity and influence.
Slegers was quick to praise her skipper’s leadership and professionalism.
“She’s a top professional,” she said. “I think anyone you would ask about Kim, what do you think when you see Kim as a football player? It’s her professionalism. She does everything. She has such high standards.
“She does everything to be as good as possible in her own performances and for the team. She gets herself ready for every challenge. She’s always reflecting and learning.
“She wants to do things the best way possible, so she’s special to work with. She’s very humble and I think we want to be humble as a team. We play with big belief and I think Kim embodies that and spreads that to the team.”
Beyond the performance on the pitch, Slegers also acknowledged the travelling Arsenal supporters, who created a vibrant atmosphere at Den Dreef and backed the team from start to finish.
“They were amazing as always,” Renee admitted. “I think 800 fans in the stands, we could hear them during the warm-up getting us ready.
“I just left the pitch and they were still singing. They stayed in the stadium for so long. I’m so happy that we can give them the performances and the results because they deserve it as well because they’re such good supporters.”
With a four-goal cushion secured and momentum firmly on their side, Arsenal now turn their attention to the second leg. If they replicate this intensity and cohesion, progression in the UEFA Women’s Champions League will be well within reach.
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