Renee Slegers warned that Arsenal need to remain focused following their recent fine run of form.
The Gunners are currently on a nine game unbeaten run in all competitions with their last defeat coming in October against Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.
Arsenal are sat third in the league ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool and interim head coach Slegers hopes her side can maintain their momentum.
She said: “I’ve been saying it before, but momentum builds momentum, and we want to go off of that. So, that’s good for us.
“As a team, we are in a flow state and that’s positive, but we need to stay sharp and we need to keep on looking at what we need to do to stay there and develop even further because if we start getting too comfortable with it, we could decrease and lose that momentum.”
Arsenal are four points behind second-placed Manchester City, who face Everton.
City were handed a blow on Thursday after skipper Alex Greenwood was taken off on a stretcher during their Champions League victory over St Polten and boss Gareth Taylor revealed they are awaiting the results of her scan.
He said: “The game finished really late and it was late before I made contact with Alex. She was okay, but of course we’re awaiting the scan obviously and we’re just awaiting the results.
“We need to continue to assess. Hopefully she’s okay. She’s been crucial to us and what we’ve done, not just this season but seasons past.
“I thought the team adapted really well to that, Laia (Aleixandri) came in straight away and was good. Our thoughts are with Alex and hoping it’s a speedy one.”
GARETH 💬 [On Greenwood] The game finished really late and it was late before I spoke to Alex. She was okay, but of course we're awaiting the scan obviously, which is taking place today and awaiting the results. We need to continue to assess. Hopefully she's okay. pic.twitter.com/J5VpCMwUBJ
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) December 13, 2024
Manchester United will be aiming to break into the top three before the WSL winter break, where they are currently tied on points with Arsenal.
Marc Skinner’s side face bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace at the weekend and the United boss believes the Eagles can pose a threat with the chances they create.
He said: “They’ve conceded a few goals that I think they wouldn’t be happy with, but they’re scoring goals.
“They are in a position where I think they’ve been tough. I watched the Chelsea game and I know Chelsea won the game handsomely, but they created quite a lot of chances.
“We played against Katie Stengel when she was at Liverpool and she’s a handful. They’re thriving under the pressure they’ve got. I think they’re doing a really good job and it will be a difficult game.”
Gearing up for our last test of the calendar year 🫡#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/U3nP7kWJ6l
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) December 13, 2024
Sunday’s remaining game sees managerless Aston Villa host West Ham, with Shaun Goater in charge on an interim basis following the departure of Robert de Pauw earlier in the week.
They come up against an in-form Hammers team who have recorded three straight wins in all competitions, including a 5-2 victory over Palace last Sunday followed up by a League Cup triumph over Southampton.
Speaking about West Ham’s recent form, boss Rehanne Skinner said: “We’re moving in the right direction. We’ve been in every game, our performances have been good.
“We’re going to go into this Christmas break already in a much more positive place with three wins in three.”
