How 'reinvigorated' Arsenal turned things around

Arsenal had been written off after a poor start to the season but their late victory over Juventus capped off a significant turnaround under interim manager Renee Slegers.

Seemingly out of the Women's Super League title race and beaten heavily by Bayern Munich on their return to the Women's Champions League, it looked a pretty bleak picture for the Gunners just a month ago.

Now, with six wins from seven under Slegers, Arsenal are heading to the European quarter-finals following back-to-back wins in the league.

"The team is creating something special together where everyone is responsible and everyone feels the benefit. But we're not done yet," Slegers said in her match programme column before Arsenal beat Juventus 1-0.

It seems she was right - and there is more to be done. How have they managed to turn things around, and what's next for Arsenal?

The upturn in performance and results has only strengthened the case for Slegers to become the permanent manager.

Arsenal are not rushing their decision. They have a shortlist and know with Slegers at the helm they can afford time to chose the right successor.

But there is no denying Slegers is relishing the position.

As she celebrated with staff members at full-time on Thursday - the last game she was confirmed to take charge of before the international break - many will have watched on wondering if she will be in the dugout again the next time out.

"She has put herself in the best position to potentially be considered. That's all she can do in this scenario," said Asante.

Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen said Slegers had "done the assignment given to her" and made Arsenal competitive again.

They will end the year with their final group game against Bayern Munich - the team that dealt a painful blow at the start of their European campaign.

Whether Slegers will be in charge for that is yet to be seen.

She has deflected recent questions about her future, saying this week: "I don't really have my mindset on that".

But whoever takes over at Arsenal now will have a great opportunity to make their mark in the knockout stages of the Women's Champions League thanks to recent progress.

This is no longer an Arsenal side struggling to keep up with their rivals, but one building momentum and finally living up to expectations.