Renee Slegers Demands VAR in WSL After Arsenal Denied Goals vs Chelsea

Arsenal Women manager Renee Slegers has urged the introduction of VAR in the Women’s Super League after her side were controversially denied two goals in a thrilling 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners thought they had scored twice through Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum, only for both goals to be ruled out — one for handball and the other for offside. Replays, however, appeared to cast doubt on both decisions. Blackstenius seemed to move her hands away from the ball before scoring, while Maanum’s finish looked to have been timed perfectly, suggesting she may have been onside when she chipped the ball over Hannah Hampton.

Speaking after the match, Renee Slegers voiced her frustration at the lack of technology to assist referees. “We were very surprised,” she told Sky Sports. “I didn’t see any players calling for it [handball], and from the one angle I’ve seen, it doesn’t look like a handball. That’s frustrating.

“For the Maanum goal, the angle is really hard to judge — even on video it’s difficult, so imagine how hard it is for the referee. But moments like that change games. If you ask me now whether I’d support VAR in the WSL, my answer would be yes.”

Chelsea took the lead in the ninth minute through Alyssa Thompson, who coolly lifted the ball over Daphne van Domselaar after a slick exchange with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. Arsenal thought they had equalised early in the second half when Blackstenius found the net, only for the effort to be chalked off for handball.

Undeterred, Arsenal continued to press. Olivia Smith nearly created an equaliser with a deep cross for Chloe Kelly, but the winger’s header failed to trouble Hampton. The Gunners finally broke through in the 87th minute when Alessia Russo smashed home a stunning volley from Maanum’s precise delivery.

There was late drama when Maanum appeared to complete the comeback with a composed finish in stoppage time, only for the flag to go up once more, sparking anger among the home supporters.

The draw leaves Arsenal fourth in the table, five points behind Sonia Bompastor’s league leaders Chelsea. Both sides now shift focus to the Women’s Champions League, with Chelsea visiting St. Pölten on Tuesday and Arsenal heading to Bayern Munich a day later.