Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most significant talking points from the second round of the Women's Super League, drawing readers into the core narratives shaping the women's game today. Arsenal have just set a new club milestone by going unbeaten for 20 consecutive Women's Super League matches, the longest run in the club's history.
Yet that achievement offered little consolation to manager Renée Slegers after the Gunners slipped up at the Emirates and dropped two points against Manchester United, a side that has already exposed several frailties in the opening weeks of the campaign, conceding a league‑high seven goals. Historically, Arsenal have never been beaten at home under Slegers, so it was perhaps inevitable that Smilla Holmberg would seize a perfectly timed, lofted cross from Leah Williamson and head home a 95th‑minute equaliser, preserving the home‑ground record. The goal was executed with precision, but the quality of the strike was almost lost on the expectant Emirates crowd, many of whom had travelled to Crystal Palace the previous weekend to watch a goalless stalemate that now feels oddly reminiscent of this match.
Arsenal appear to be squandering their chance of mounting a serious title challenge from the very first hurdle – once again. Five points from three games currently places Arsenal only sixth in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen clubs, stretching the season to 26 fixtures. The expansion may provide a small measure of comfort for Slegers, as there will be more opportunities to climb the table over a longer campaign.
In hindsight, a point earned in a game like this could be labelled a "good point" when the season reaches its conclusion. At present, however, the result must be viewed as a setback – another obstacle in a pattern that has persisted for the last seven seasons, despite a runner‑up finish last term.
So what does Arsenal stand for if not title contenders? What identity do they embody if not a blend of attractive football and consistent results? Are they merely a side that threatens to score but lacks the conviction to finish? With 60 shots on target to date, they have only found the net twice, an expected‑goals shortfall of 3.84.
Slegers will undoubtedly have a rebuttal ready. No team should be dismissed after only three games; the season is barely past the halfway point of the first month.
Nevertheless, the three outings so far have highlighted a deeper issue that opponents seem to have exploited: compact defensive blocks that frustrate Arsenal's ability to break them down. Maintaining discipline against the Gunners often yields a point, rarely more, and for most clubs a draw is a satisfactory result – a reality that Arsenal must avoid if they wish to stay in the title race. Four draws before Christmas were enough to eliminate Arsenal from the title picture last season; they cannot afford a repeat. The urgency to reverse this trend must be felt immediately.
Yet the speed and unpredictability that once characterised Arsenal's attack appear to be waning. Mariona Caldentey sent Alessia Russo's lay‑off wide, Stina Blackstenius headed a close‑range effort that only brushed past Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly tried her luck from distance – all legitimate attempts, but each was tinged with a lingering doubt.
Arsenal saved their most promising moment for the final whistle, a pattern that raises questions about the team's preparation and tactical balance. Are Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey overlapping in the same midfield role as the primary number eight?
Who is orchestrating the play from deep? Is Alessia Russo being utilised in the optimal position as a number ten, or would she serve the team better as a more defensive outlet?
Are the wingers hesitant to engage in one‑on‑one duels? Over the weekend, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith combined for just one cross and a single successful dribble, despite Baum's delivery to Blackstenius that should have resulted in a goal.
Instead of exploiting Manchester United's transitional vulnerabilities under Eva Olid, Arsenal spent much of the match standing off, too polite to fully engage. Such restraint seems out of step with the talent at their disposal. Slegers must demand higher standards: sharper decision‑making from the creative midfielders, more incisive service from the flanks, and a greater urgency in front of goal.
The final third needs to operate on a higher gear; until that happens, Arsenal will continue to settle for disappointing draws. In contrast, Tottenham's forward Holdt has not suffered a confidence crisis in front of goal. Since early February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt's prolific form.
Spurs' attacking fluidity feels fresh and exciting; Crystal Palace managed to hold out for a full half before succumbing to Martin Ho's inventive side, which unleashed a 7‑0 demolition, scoring six goals in a blistering 25‑minute spell. Holdt's hat‑trick set the tone – a perfect trio of diverse strikes: a neatly executed throw‑in finish, an instinctive strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a powerful shot following a quick turnover.
To my eye, Holdt exemplifies a blend of talent and determination, adapting to the league's demands faster than most. She is both a scorer and a creator, capable of carrying the ball forward and distributing it effectively. On her first Spurs start of the season, she gave Ho plenty to contemplate as his side rose to second place in the table.
The challenge now is to maintain that position. Overall, Arsenal's early season narrative is one of missed opportunities and tactical rigidity.
The club's historic unbeaten run in the league demonstrates resilience, but the inability to convert chances and break down organized defenses suggests a deeper strategic problem. If Slegers can recalibrate the midfield roles, give Russo a clearer purpose, and encourage her wingers to take on defenders more aggressively, Arsenal could rediscover the attacking verve that once made them perennial title favourites.
Until then, the Gunners risk being remembered not for their trophy cabinet but for a series of draws that quietly erode their championship ambitions. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.