Arsenal defender Emily Fox has praised interim head coach Renee Slegers as a "steady force" after reigniting confidence in the squad following the departure of Jonas Advall.

Slagers took over on an interim basis after Advall exited in October.

Before his departure, Arsenal had lost two games in a row, 2-5 to Bayern Munich and 1-2 to Chelsea. He also lost the locker room, sources told ESPN.

The United States international praised Slagers for a "smooth transition" and for giving the team confidence after a slow start to the season, which saw Arsenal win just one of their first four Women's Super League (WSL) games.

"Renee is amazing," Fox told ESPN. I think when she stepped in, it was definitely a very difficult time, but I think luckily we had a really good structure and with her, I always say she was very even-keeled, confident, direct. So we regrouped and I think she did a really good job of clarifying things and giving people confidence. "

Slagers remains in charge on an interim basis but fans have called for her to be appointed permanently since the club began looking for a replacement last year. An update is expected ahead of Sunday's WSL match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

"It's been a very smooth transition in the sense that she hasn't stopped," Fox added.

"I definitely think that with the two-week break in the middle of the season and finally being able to have time for her to sit down and put things in order, we're already doing more of what I think Renee has been wanting to do leading into January. Get ready, it's exciting.

"I think last year when this first happened, what happened every week, what was going to happen? But I think having been with Renee for a few months now, we have this consistency and I think as long as I believe the club and senior management have stated that they are making every effort to find a suitable coach and provide us with information as soon as possible.

"I think Renee is just a stabilizing force, along with our teammates and the girls, and I think we all feel very confident and know how important she is to us."

Arsenal have two potentially title-deciding games against league leaders Chelsea - who are six points clear at the top - before facing second-placed Manchester City.

“There’s a lot of people lined up, but I think every time we play them, that’s what it feels like,” Fox said.

"I definitely think Chelsea and Manchester City, in terms of the atmosphere and the fans, there's always something more when we play these games. (It) definitely feels more like a rivalry when we play. Whatever it is Whether it's a final or a league game, I think whenever we play them (Chelsea) or Manchester City, we always look at it as a game-deciding thing."

The right-back says she needs to control the defense to contain Chelsea's attacking threat.

Chelsea has scored 31 goals in the league this season and conceded only 6 goals. Arsenal have scored 20 goals but conceded only 5 times. Two of those came against Chelsea and the other two came in the opening game, a 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

“Definitely, defensively, I need to be on top, whether it’s one-on-one, set-pieces, crosses from corners and second goals in the box.

"So I think it's really just up there. I feel like at Chelsea they can accomplish anything and create something out of nothing. So as long as the defense stays locked in."