LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Renee Slegers, Manager of Arsenal, prepares to stroll out of the tunnel previous to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 Semi Final match between Arsenal Women FC and ASFAR at Brentford stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander – FIFA/FIFA through Getty Images)
Chloe Kelly turned in a player-of-the-match efficiency as Arsenal defeated West Ham United 5-0 on the Emirates.
The Lioness scored three targets within the rout – though the hat-trick was confirmed solely after the sport when the WSL evaluation panel awarded the primary purpose to her reasonably than Stina Blackstenius.
And Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers admitted afterwards that the workforce had missed Kelly when she was unavailable for choice by means of harm.
“We’ve missed Chloe when she was away with injury,” stated Slegers.
“She’s back now and she’s the best version of Chloe Kelly.
“She’s in a great place, she performed really well against London City Lionesses, fulfilled her first 90 in almost a year.
“Then you see today again, she’s in a really good place, she’s performing, she’s contributing to the team.”
And Slegers additionally had reward for Sophie Harwood, who made her Gunners debut off the bench – taking part in able that was unfamiliar to her.
“Very positive; she trained in the full-back position and in midfield for us. Those are her natural positions; today, we asked her to go and step into the nine position.
“She picked that role up really well, did her role in the press, made her runs, controlled the ball when she had to and she stayed calm.
“You can get very excited for your debut, of course, playing at home in the sun at the Emirates for so many fans. She stayed calm, she enjoyed it, but played her role really well on the pitch.”
The victory was Arsenal’s ninth in a row throughout all competitions, and should present momentum as they return to UEFA Women’s Champions League motion this week – and face Chelsea in a two-legged quarter-final.
