Arsenal manager faces key midfield decision ahead of Real Madrid

With the return leg against Real Madrid looming on Wednesday and a two-goal deficit to overturn, this emphatic performance provided both a timely morale boost and a crucial tactical rehearsal. Arsenal must strike the balance between effective attacking play and disciplined structure, avoiding exposure to Madrid’s ruthless counter-attacking threat.

This remains a concern. Ahead of the first leg, I asked Renee Slegers about selecting the right double pivot. We all know what happened: Kyra Cooney-Cross lost possession high up the pitch, taking half of the team out of the play. Real Madrid countered, Leah Williamson missed the interception, and Linda Caicedo scored. It was a cheap goal to concede – and entirely preventable.

So what are Arsenal’s current options for the midfield double pivot?

Kyra Cooney-Cross is an attack-minded player with superb passing range, pressing intensity, and a threat from set pieces. But she has shown positional naivety and questionable decision-making in key moments, as seen in Madrid.

Mariona Caldentey is an outstanding playmaker and two-footed facilitator off the ball, but she is less defensively inclined.

Lia Wälti remains the archetypal holding midfielder, with her tactical intelligence, ability to read the game, and calming influence in possession.

Kim Little, now operating deeper, offers tempo control and composure in tight spaces.

Vicky Pelova, newly returned from an ACL injury, adds another creative option—one capable.

Right-back has also raised eyebrows. With Laura Wienroither sent on loan following her return from an ACL injury, Slegers appears to have excluded her from the backup plans for Emily Fox. Instead, we’ve seen makeshift options including centre-back Katie Reid, and wingers Hurtig and Foord, filling in on the right side of defence.

Managing a 25-player squad when fully fit is no small task. Slegers must keep every player engaged and ready, because discontent within the ranks can quickly unravel momentum.

As one former Lyon manager once told me: “I feel like I am doing a HR job, because I have 20 top-class players. There is no problem on the football side, they can do everything, I just need to keep them all happy.”

On the league front, Arsenal look well positioned to secure second or third place and, with it, Champions League qualification.