‘They’re a hard team to play against’ – Arsenal boss Slegers impressed by in-form Brighton

‘They’re a hard team to play against’ – Arsenal boss Slegers impressed by in-form Brighton

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers says that she has been impressed by latest opponents Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Gunners travel to Broadfield Stadium to contest their latest Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against The Seagulls on Wednesday night.

Brighton & Hove Albion dumped Arsenal out of this season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup while they have backed that up with a win against Manchester City and a draw at Manchester United. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Slegers admitted that she has been impressed by the Sussex side.

“I think Brighton are a very good team,” Slegers said. “I think they’re very brave and convinced in the way they play, both in and out of possession. I think what they also have is versatility and they can do things in different ways, adjusting to opposition and circumstances, which I’m really impressed with.

“They’ve been doing really, really well and they’re a hard team to play against.”

Arsenal were punished from set plays in their recent defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion and Slegers says that defending dead balls will be key in the upcoming game.

She said “It’s always part of our preparation, we have a plan in place. We have to look at what we have, what structure we create, what qualities we possess to be able to defend it and look at opposition qualities.

“We’re very aware of both goals we conceded – from a throw-in and from a corner at Borehamwood. We’ve seen what they’ve been doing. They have some really, really tall players and threats and strong headers of the ball. It’s going to be a key area in the game tomorrow.”