The three points weren't easy to come by but we found a way to win in our final Barclays Women's Super League game of the season at home to Manchester United.
It looked as though we'd cruise to victory when we took a 4-1 lead at Emirates Stadium following goals from Chloe Kelly, Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum and Kim Little, but the visitors pulled two back for a nervy final 20 minutes.
We made sure they didn't get any more clear-cut chances though and, given the topsy-turvy nature of the game, our head coach was pleased we still managed to get the desired result.
"We understood the challenge coming into this game," she said. "Of course, coming away from our last two games, we wanted to get things right, but also understanding that this is a very good opponent and they're playing to win, to take second place from us.
"So, there was, again, pressure on us and I think we're happy we got the early goal. They got the 1-1 from a corner and they challenged us again, and what I'm mostly happy with is the way we stayed level today and kept on believing, kept on playing the game that's in front of us, because I think at times, we could control the play and keep the ball down on the grass and play our passing game, but at times we just couldn't and we had to accept that.
"With all the questions that United asked from us, I think we did well. It was a lot of duels, protecting the ball, supporting underneath, second balls, third balls. And that's part of football as well, and so I'm happy that we found a way to win today against Man United."
Mariona Caldentey was presented with the Mastercard Player of the Season award after the match having accrued a total of 19 goals and 10 assists in 2024/25, but on Saturday she also displayed plenty of defensive work-rate and desire to win the ball back.
"Yes, I think she always shows that, and she shows that every training session as well," Renée agreed. "So, it's not only her intelligence on the ball, and her technical ability on the ball, it's the whole [package]. She's a total football player. So, she has the work rate, she has the understanding out of possession. She reads things very early, so she's been amazing for us, and she's lifted us.
"But other players do that as well because it's a team and everyone has their part, and everyone works really hard to get us the points, for example, today winning this game against Man United and us going to play the Champions League final against Barcelona."
Another player recognised for their impact this season was Alessia Russo, who was presented with the Golden Boot having scored 12 WSL goals this season.
"She's been working so hard," Renée added. "And it's not only about her scoring contribution, it's about everything. So, the way she contributes to the group, to the team, on and off the pitch, always so positive, respectful, and always wants to be better and learn. I think the environment within the group at the moment is so good, and it will only make us better."
Another player worth highlighting was Frida Maanum, who scored on her 150th appearance for Arsenal. Remarkably, she's only missed two league games in the last four years.
"Wow, I didn't know that, that's impressive," Renée said. "Frida is such an engine for us in the team in so many ways. Now I'm saying the same thing about all players, but she's also one of those players that takes ownership, works really hard, just grinds day in, day out, wants to understand the game, wants to do better every day. So, I'm just happy that it pays off for this player that works so hard."
"It was a fantastic event, the sun is shining, and there's so many fans here supporting us."
After the match, there was a moment of appreciation for the three players confirmed this week to be leaving the club - Lina Hurtig, Amanda Ilestedt and Teyah Goldie.
Asked about their contributions over the years, Renée said: "Everyone plays their part in the team, and they've definitely done that as well. Lina has so much quality, so what she's done on the pitch with her specific qualities, her physical strength, her aerial dominance, and intelligence, technical ability; there's so much. So, she's contributed to us, she's been there in crucial times and made a difference in games, but also off the pitch. And everything she's contributed with her values to the team, it's been inspiring for everyone.
"And the same is for Amanda, I think Amanda, you should come and see how our environment works and how all players invest. Amanda is one of those as well, always training really hard, always wanting to do what's best for the team. And I think she's role modelling from a perspective as well, that she gave birth and came back. So, I think that's very important that we're role modelling that as well. She should be very proud of her time at Arsenal as well."
Lastly, Renée had the chance to speak to supporters at Emirates Stadium directly after the win, and during that speech she spoke about being humble and respecting Barcelona while going to Lisbon fully with the intention of winning the UEFA Women's Champions League.
"It's special to share things with the fans, and like today, it was a fantastic event, the sun is shining, we played the last WSL game, there's a lot at stake, and there's so many fans here supporting us," she said. "So happy to share those moments, the good moments. But also through all the hard times, because you will go through hard times as well during the season. They have been there for us, we're so grateful."
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