Laura Hunter, the columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the main talking points emerging from the second round of matches in the Women's Super League, offering readers a deeper look at the pivotal narratives shaping the women's game today. In this analysis, she focuses on Arsenal's recent performances, the challenges they face, and the broader implications for their title ambitions. Arsenal have now established a new club record by remaining unbeaten for 20 consecutive league fixtures, the longest such run in the Women's Super League.
While the statistic is impressive on paper, it offers little consolation to manager Renee Slegers after her side slipped up at the Emirates and dropped two points at home to Manchester United. United, despite a shaky start to the campaign, have already exposed significant frailties, conceding a league‑high seven goals in the opening weeks.
Historically, Arsenal have never been beaten at the Emirates under Slegers, a fact that makes the 95th‑minute equaliser by Smilla Holmberg all the more noteworthy. 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 was technically sound, but the moment passed almost unnoticed by a crowd that seemed distracted, perhaps still processing the goalless stalemate they had witnessed at Crystal Palace the previous weekend. The atmosphere hinted at a sense of déjà vu, as if the fans were beginning to accept draws as the norm rather than the exception.
Earning five points from three games currently places Arsenal in sixth position in a league that has been expanded from twelve to fourteen clubs. The increase in teams adds an extra layer of complexity to the title race, stretching the season to 26 matches and providing more opportunities for points to be gained—or lost. In that context, Slegers might find a small comfort in the fact that there are still many fixtures ahead where the Gunners could recover lost ground. Yet, for now, the draw against United is best described as a setback, another reminder that Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with the league's leading side over the past seven seasons, despite finishing runners‑up last term.
The question then arises: what does Arsenal stand for if not genuine title challengers? Are they a team that merely threatens to score without the conviction to finish chances? Their attacking statistics suggest a problem: out of roughly 60 shots taken this season, they have only found the back of the net twice, an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84.
This inefficiency points to a deeper issue than a simple dip in form; it signals a systemic lack of cutting edge in the final third. Slegers certainly has the right to defend her squad, arguing that three games is an insufficient sample size to pass judgment. However, the patterns emerging from those early outings hint at a tactical dilemma that opponents are already exploiting. When teams set up in a compact block, Arsenal seem to struggle to break them down.
Maintaining defensive discipline against the Gunners often yields a point, and for most clubs a draw against Arsenal is a respectable result. Four draws before Christmas were enough to derail Arsenal's title hopes last season, and the club cannot afford a repeat of that scenario. One observable trend is the waning speed and unpredictability of Arsenal's attack. In recent matches, Mariona Caldentey has sent Alessia Russo’s lay‑off pass wide, Stina Blackstenius has headed the ball directly at goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly has taken speculative long‑range shots—all attempts that, while legitimate, were tinged with hesitation.
The team saved its most promising moment for the final whistle, but even that was barely enough to salvage a point. These observations raise several strategic questions for Slegers and her players. Is the midfield balance correct?
Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey appear to be deployed as the primary number‑8, potentially overlapping responsibilities and diluting influence. Who should be dictating play from deeper positions? Moreover, is Alessia Russo being used in the most effective role?
Perhaps she would thrive as a true number‑10, operating behind the striker rather than being asked to drop into defensive duties. The wingers also appear tentative; Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith combined for just one cross and a solitary dribble over the weekend, and even the delivery that did come through to Blackstenius failed to produce a goal. Instead of exploiting Manchester United's transitional weaknesses—especially as United adapt to Eva Olid’s new tactical approach—Arsenal spent much of the match standing off, appearing overly polite and reluctant to engage fully.
Given the talent at their disposal, such restraint is puzzling. Slegers must demand more creativity from her midfield orchestrators, sharper service from the flanks, and greater composure in front of goal. The final third needs to shift into a higher gear; until that happens, draws will remain the most realistic outcome. In contrast, Tottenham’s forward Holdt provides a case study in confidence and efficiency.
Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt’s prolific form. Spurs’ attacking fluidity is fresh and exciting, as demonstrated when they dismantled Crystal Palace 7‑0, scoring six goals in a blistering 25‑minute spell.
Holdt’s hat‑trick that day showcased a variety of finishes—a well‑executed throw‑in routine, a powerful strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a composed finish after a swift turnover. Her blend of talent, determination, and adaptability makes her a dual threat as both scorer and creator, capable of driving her team forward and maintaining their position near the top of the table.
Overall, Arsenal’s early season narrative is one of promise hampered by inefficiency and tactical indecision. The unbeaten run provides a solid foundation, but the inability to convert chances and the tendency to settle for draws threaten to undermine any genuine title aspirations. For the Gunners to re‑establish themselves as authentic contenders, they must refine their attacking structure, encourage decisive play from their wide players, and restore the confidence that allows them to finish matches with victories rather than shared points. Only then can they move beyond being a team that merely threatens to win and become a side that consistently delivers the results their history demands.