At full-time on Sunday, Slegers gathered her dejected players in a familiar team huddle before walking over to their fans.

She stood in front of the 2,500 away supporters at Etihad Stadium applauding as they sang “North London Forever” in a somewhat emotional release.

She was greeted warmly and it did not look like a fanbase who were keen to push her out of the door.

Arsenal had performed reasonably well against City, took the lead twice and were ultimately undone by small margins.

“I mostly went there to thank them, connect with them and show them I care for them and I appreciate them coming out to Manchester,” said Slegers.

“I also wanted to show that – not that I feel sorry for them as I’m a big part of it too – but they are coming here and not getting the rewards, just like the team.

“I just wanted to connect with them instead of walking away and hiding. I don’t know how they are going to react to me! I just wanted to thank them for being there for us.”

Outside of the stadium however, noise among the fanbase has been building and Slegers knows her position is being questioned.

Sources at the club insist she retains their full backing and, while there is disappointment and acknowledgement that results have not been good enough, they believe Slegers can guide them in the right direction.

There was investment in the transfer window with the likes of England international Georgia Stanway and Spain full-back Ona Batlle arriving, as well as the talented, young Germany forward Lisa Baum.

Those signings were made early in an attempt to ensure a full pre-season and avoid a slow start with most players returning to Arsenal from their holidays in mid-July.

It has clearly not paid off but rather than worry about her job, Slegers is already planning an inquest into where the problems lie during the international break.

“There will be a big review of our season so far,” she added, when asked if there was a wider club issue regarding their continuous slow starts to WSL seasons.