Caldentey embraces ‘cool’ pressure as Arsenal target Treble
Mariona Caldentey says Arsenal must embrace the pressure of competing for the treble in 2026-27, as they seek their first Women’s Super League title since 2019 alongside domestic cups and European success. The Spain midfielder believes the squad is ready to take the next step after last season’s near misses, while manager Renee Slegers has made winning the league and treble explicit targets.
Arsenal finished second in the WSL last season after winning only four of their first nine matches, while Manchester City recovered from an opening defeat to win 13 consecutive games and take the title. Their early fixtures include difficult away matches against Chelsea, Manchester City and Brighton, making a fast start important; Slegers believes a full pre-season and seven new signings, including Ona Batlle and Georgia Stanway, should improve consistency.
- Arsenal are targeting the WSL title and treble in 2026-27.
- Caldentey says pressure is part of competing at a major club.
- A stronger start is crucial after last season’s inconsistency.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Arsenal should embrace the explicit treble target because elite organisations perform best when they set ambitious, clearly articulated objectives that unite the squad's efforts. The investment in new signings provides genuine resources to compete across all three fronts, and research in sports psychology shows that high-performing athletes often respond positively to challenging pressure when it's strategically managed. Rather than limiting themselves with modest goals, embracing the challenge focuses energy and demonstrates confidence in their squad's capabilities.
The case against
Arsenal should prioritise focused, sequential objectives rather than simultaneously pursuing a treble. Last season demonstrated that Manchester City's concentrated strength produced dominance—thirteen consecutive wins to claim the title—whilst Arsenal's divided efforts saw them finish second. Trebles remain extraordinarily rare even for dominant teams, and attempting everything simultaneously often results in winning nothing when a focused campaign might have secured at least one major trophy. A measured approach of targeting the league first allows sustainable improvement rather than demanding unsustainable intensity across three fronts.