Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of the Women's Super League, drawing readers into the narratives that shape the women's game today. In her analysis she highlights Arsenal’s record-breaking run, the club's recent stumble, and the broader implications for a side that has long been seen as a title contender.
Arsenal have just set a new club benchmark by going 20 matches unbeaten in the Women's Super League – a feat that, on paper, should be a source of pride. Yet the achievement feels hollow for manager Renee Slegers after her side slipped up at home against Manchester United, conceding two points and allowing the opposition to register a league‑high seven goals. The loss is especially painful because the Gunners have never been beaten on their own turf under Slegers, making the defeat all the more stark. The drama unfolded in the dying minutes of the game when Smilla Holmberg latched onto a perfectly timed cross from Leah Williamson and headed home a 95th‑minute equaliser.
The goal, while technically sound, was almost lost in the noise of an expectant Emirates crowd that had just endured a goalless draw at Crystal Palace the previous weekend. Both matches left supporters with a sense of déjà vu, as if the season were repeating the same pattern of missed opportunities. Arsenal now appear to be squandering their chances of mounting a genuine title challenge right from the outset – a worrying trend that repeats itself year after year. With five points from three games Arsenal sit only sixth in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen clubs, a change that has stretched the season to 26 fixtures.
The expansion does offer a sliver of comfort – there are more matches in which points can be salvaged – but it also means the margin for error is slimmer. In a competition where each game can swing the table dramatically, a single draw can feel like a missed golden opportunity.
For the moment, the loss to Manchester United must be seen as a setback, a fresh wound to an already bruised confidence. It adds to the growing list of moments that suggest Arsenal struggle to keep pace with the league’s best teams, a pattern that has persisted over the last seven seasons despite a runner‑up finish last term.
The question then becomes: what does Arsenal stand for if not a genuine title contender? Is the club merely a collection of attacking talent that fails to convert chances, or does it lack the conviction needed to turn opportunities into decisive goals? Statistically the answer is sobering. Arsenal have taken 60 shots so far this season but have only found the net twice, resulting in an expected goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84.
Such a disparity points to a deeper issue than mere bad luck; it signals a lack of clinical finishing and perhaps a need for a tactical rethink. Slegers will undoubtedly have a rebuttal ready – three games is a tiny sample size, and the season is barely beyond the halfway point of the first month.
Yet the patterns emerging from those early outings hint at a problem that opponents have already identified and are exploiting. Many teams have adopted a compact, disciplined block against Arsenal, making it difficult for the Gunners to break them down. For most opponents, a draw against Arsenal feels like a respectable result, while for Arsenal it feels like a missed chance to secure three points. Four draws before Christmas were enough to derail their title hopes last season, and repeating that trend would be disastrous.
The team must find a way to shake off this tendency quickly. One symptom of the issue is the waning speed and unpredictability of Arsenal’s attack. In recent matches Mariona Caldentey’s pass to Alessia Russo was wayward, Stina Blackstenius’ header fell short of the target, and Chloe Kelly’s long‑range effort lacked the necessary precision.
While each attempt was technically sound, they were underscored by a lingering doubt that prevented them from becoming genuine scoring chances. The final whistle often reveals the underlying problems. After a passive start, questions arise for both Slegers and her players: Is the midfield balance correct?
Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey appear to be performing overlapping roles as the primary number‑8, creating confusion about who should dictate play from deeper positions. Russo, traditionally a forward, might be better utilized as a number‑10, providing a creative link rather than being the final striker. Moreover, the wingers – Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith – contributed only a single cross and a solitary dribble over the weekend, and even the promising delivery from Baum that found Blackstenius failed to result in a goal.
Instead of exploiting Manchester United’s transitional weaknesses, Arsenal spent large portions of the game standing off, almost politely, rather than engaging aggressively. With a squad as talented as theirs, such restraint appears self‑inflicted.
Slegers must demand more from her side: sharper decision‑making from the playmakers, higher‑quality service from the flanks, and a more ruthless edge in front of goal. The entire final third needs to shift into a higher gear; until that happens, draws will remain the most realistic expectation.
In contrast, Tottenham’s Holdt exemplifies a player who has found confidence and consistency. Since February, only Bunny Shaw has scored more goals than Holdt’s eight.
Tottenham’s fluid attacking style feels fresh and exhilarating, as demonstrated by their 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace, where they netted six goals in just 25 minutes. Holdt’s hat‑trick – a well‑executed throw‑in finish, a powerful strike from a loose ball, and a clinical finish after a quick turnover – showcases her blend of talent, determination, and adaptability. Her ability to both create and finish chances makes her a valuable asset for a team eyeing a top‑two finish.
The broader lesson for Arsenal is clear: they must stop treating draws as acceptable outcomes and start demanding a higher standard of performance. This involves tactical tweaks, clearer role definitions, and a renewed emphasis on finishing. Only then can they reclaim the reputation of a genuine title challenger and live up to the expectations of their supporters. The season is long, and while there are still many opportunities to recover points, the early signs suggest that without decisive changes, Arsenal risk repeating a familiar narrative of near‑misses and unfulfilled potential.