The huge welcoming cheer from the Arsenal fans crammed into the North Bank terrace at Meadow Park on the introduction of their new manager, Renée Slegers, over the PA system shortly before kick-off was testament to the job done to date by the Dutchwoman.

The interim manager has gone from a relative unknown, as an assistant to Jonas Eidevall with an emphasis on individual work with players, to the popular choice among players and Arsenal faithful alike.