On Friday Slegers said her players know what they are capable of, and it is fair to say they backed that up with action.
Despite missing Frida Maanum and Olivia Smith because of injury and Kyra Cooney-Cross through illness, Arsenal set about dismantling Leicester from the kick-off.
Blackstenius gave an early indication of her threat by chasing a dangerous throughball in the opening seconds, something she repeated several times over the 90 minutes.
Before Sunday she had started only one WSL game this season, but she showed she and Russo can form a deadly partnership when the England forward plays behind her.
“Both of them usually play as the nine, but they are different nines with different qualities,” said Slegers.
“Today they complemented each other well and played their roles in an excellent way.”
Although Leicester afforded them plenty of space, Russo, Blackstenius, wingers Mead and Foord and midfielder Caldentey looked fluid and energised as they exploited pockets and attacked at will.
Slegers made a string of changes before the hour mark, highlighting the strength in depth she has despite several injuries.
“We need everyone in the squad. We have to make sure that as a team and a squad we are always ready whoever it is from the start,” she said.
“A good example is Laia Codina. She came on against Benfica, but those were her first minutes, then she played 90 today. The players have been working incredibly hard to be ready for that moment when it comes.”
An upturn in form has come at the perfect time for Arsenal as, starting on Saturday, they face Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Real Madrid in an 11-day period that could define their season.
