Renée Slegers identifies the big difference at Arsenal ahead of new WSL season

Arsenal return to the WSL season next week, and they face some tough opposition in Brighton and Hove Albion. Brighton's former manager, Dario Vidosic, recently left the club for pastures new, but it couldn't happen at a worse time for the club.

Arsenal will hope that Brighton doesn't experience the new manager bounce, but, in truth, fans have not felt this calm about a season in a long time, and that energy has exuded from the players themselves.

Renée Slegers on Arsenal's difference this season

"What you can clearly see is these players really needed a break," began Slegers. "They've had a real offseason now. Some players haven't had that since 2017, 2018."

"You can see that they came back with so much energy, so much excitement."

It shouldn't be overlooked just how much having a proper break can have an impact. It's a complete rarity these days, and an opportunity that Arsenal will absolutely grab with open arms.

There will be no rest for the squad next summer, with the World Cup set to be played in Brazil. Most of Arsenal's starting lineup will be wishing for a place on the plane, but it's this season they either build their case or secure their places.

"They've been decompressing, recharging," added Slegers. "They are feeling the love for the football and just look forward to getting on the ball again. You have to understand what you're missing when it's not there."

And fans have missed Arsenal. It feels like a lifetime since the 2025-26 season ended, but it's really not long until we see a revamped Arsenal team... in more ways than one.

Not only is the Arsenal squad recharged, but it's been bolstered during the break. Arsenal secured a lot of business early in the window, and it's almost time to see how they gel together competitively.

Something about this season feels like a brand new era at Arsenal. The signings they have made aren't just big names, but it gives the club an entirely new foundation on which to build.

They've invested in youth with Lisa Baum, guaranteed numbers with Selina Cerci, and immediate impact with Georgia Stanway. Those are just a few signings to make a point, and we didn't even touch on the likes of Misa Rodríguez, Géraldine Reuteler, Ona Batlle, etc.

Nobody can predict the threat that Arsenal will bring this season, and that's exactly their strength.

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