Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of the Women's Super League, offering readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women’s game today. In this analysis she focuses on Arsenal’s recent performance, the implications of their unbeaten run, and the tactical questions that have begun to surface.
Arsenal have just set a new club record by going 20 matches without defeat in the Women's Super League, a milestone that would normally be celebrated as a sign of dominance. However, the achievement offers little comfort to manager Renée Slegers after her side slipped up at home against Manchester United, conceding two points in a match where United displayed a surprising level of frailty early in the campaign, yet still managed to net a league‑high seven goals overall. Historically, Arsenal have never been beaten on their own turf under Slegers, so it was almost inevitable that a late drama would unfold.
In the 95th minute, Smilla Holmberg latched onto a perfectly timed, lofted cross from captain Leah Williamson and headed home to force a draw, preserving the club's unbeaten home record. The goal itself was a textbook example of timing and technique, but it barely registered with a crowd that seemed more preoccupied with the déjà vu of a goalless draw they had witnessed at Crystal Palace the previous weekend. The result leaves Arsenal looking as though they are squandering the first real opportunity to launch a serious title challenge.
With just five points from three matches, they sit in sixth place in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen teams, meaning the competition is now stretched over a 26‑game season rather than the traditional 22. The extra fixtures could provide a few more chances to recover points, but for now the setback feels like a warning sign rather than a minor hiccup. From a broader perspective, this draw can be interpreted as another piece of evidence that Arsenal struggle to keep pace with the league’s strongest side in any given year. Over the past seven seasons there has been little to suggest that the Gunners are closing the gap, even after finishing runners‑up last term.
The question then becomes: what does Arsenal represent if they are not genuine title contenders? Are they a team that can produce moments of attacking flair without the conviction needed to turn those chances into goals?
The statistics underline the problem. Out of roughly 60 shots taken so far this season, Arsenal have only found the back of the net twice, a glaring under‑performance when measured against an expected goals (xG) figure of 3.84. Such a disparity points to a deeper issue with finishing and creativity in the final third. Slegers will undoubtedly have a response ready.
It would be premature to write off any team after just three games, especially when the season is still in its infancy. Yet the patterns emerging from Arsenal’s early outings suggest a tactical rigidity that opponents are beginning to exploit. Many teams have discovered that by setting up in a compact block, they can frustrate Arsenal’s attacking rhythm and force the Gunners into a battle for every point rather than a march toward the title.
Four draws before Christmas were enough to derail Arsenal’s title ambitions last season, and a similar trajectory could repeat itself if the current approach is not adjusted. The attacking spark that once defined Arsenal appears to be fading. For instance, Mariona Caldentey’s misplaced lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius’s header that failed to find the net despite being on target, and Chloe Kelly’s long‑range attempts all highlight a lack of cutting edge. The timing of Arsenal’s most promising chance – a late equaliser – underscores a broader problem of consistency.
Questions now arise regarding the balance of the squad. Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey are operating in similar midfield roles, often as the primary number 8, which can lead to confusion over who should dictate play from deeper positions. Moreover, the utilization of Alessia Russo as a traditional number 10 is debatable; perhaps she would be more effective playing deeper to aid in ball recovery and transition.
The wing play also warrants scrutiny. Wingers such as Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith combined for only a single cross and a solitary successful dribble over the weekend.
While Baum’s delivery to Blackstenius looked promising, it ultimately did not result in a goal, reflecting a broader issue of insufficient service from wide areas. Instead of exploiting Manchester United’s defensive frailties – especially as United adapt to Eva Olid’s evolving tactics – Arsenal spent much of the match in a passive stance, appearing overly cautious.
With a squad boasting considerable talent, such restraint is difficult to justify. Slegers must demand more from her players: sharper decision‑making from the midfield creators, more incisive runs and deliveries from the flanks, and a higher conversion rate in front of goal. Elevating the intensity and quality of the final third could turn disappointing draws into victories and keep Arsenal in genuine contention.
In contrast, Tottenham’s forward Holdt has emerged as a confident scorer, only surpassed by Bunny Shaw in terms of goals since the start of February. Holdt’s versatility – capable of both finishing and creating – has helped Spurs climb to second place after a dominant 7‑0 victory over Crystal Palace, where they scored six goals in just 25 minutes.
Her hat‑trick in that match showcased a range of techniques: a well‑executed set‑piece, a powerful strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a quick finish from a turnover. Holdt exemplifies the blend of talent and determination that Arsenal seem to lack at the moment.
Her ability to adapt quickly to the league’s demands highlights the importance of confidence and fluidity in attack – attributes Arsenal must rediscover if they hope to reignite their title hopes. In summary, Arsenal’s early season performance raises serious concerns about their capacity to challenge for the championship. While the unbeaten home record provides a small silver lining, the lack of goals, tactical predictability, and inability to break down compact defenses suggest a team that is still searching for its identity. To avoid another season of near‑misses, Slegers and her coaching staff need to recalibrate the squad’s structure, encourage more aggressive wing play, and sharpen the finishing of their forwards.
Only then can Arsenal transform their record‑setting unbeaten streak into a genuine title‑winning campaign.