Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline moments from the second round of the Women's Super League, drawing readers into the narratives that define the women's game today. While Arsenal have just set a new club benchmark by going unbeaten for 20 league matches, that achievement offers little consolation to coach Renee Slegers after her side slipped up at home against a Manchester United team that, despite a shaky start to the campaign, managed to concede a league‑high seven goals. The Gunners have never been beaten at the Emirates 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 tucked the ball home to force a draw. The goal itself was technically sound, but the reaction from the Emirates crowd was muted. Many spectators had just travelled to Crystal Palace the previous weekend for a goalless stalemate, and the feeling of déjà vu lingered over both fixtures. Once again, Arsenal appear to be squandering the opening chance to mount a genuine title challenge.
Five points from three games currently places them sixth in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen clubs, meaning the top half is now more crowded than ever. The extra two teams might give Slegers a sliver of comfort – there will be more opportunities to climb the table over a 26‑match season – but at this stage the result is best described as a setback, another reminder that Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with the league’s eventual champions over the past seven campaigns, despite finishing runners‑up last season. So what does Arsenal represent if not a side that can realistically contest the title? Is their identity tied to an attractive, attacking brand of football that also delivers results?
Or are they merely a team that creates chances without the conviction to turn them into goals? The statistics underline the problem: out of 60 shots taken so far, Arsenal have scored only twice, an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84. Slegers will undoubtedly have a response – three games is a tiny sample size, and the season is barely past the halfway point of its opening month. Yet the patterns emerging from those early outings suggest deeper tactical issues that opponents have already identified.
When a rival sets up in a compact block, Arsenal struggle to break them down; disciplined defensive teams can often settle for a point, which is more than enough for everyone except the Gunners, who need wins to stay in the title conversation. Last season, four draws before Christmas effectively ended Arsenal's title hopes, and they cannot afford a repeat. The urgency to reverse this trend is palpable, but the underlying cause appears to be a waning tempo and unpredictability in attack.
Instances such as Mariona Caldentey’s careless lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius’ missed header that barely brushed Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly’s long‑range attempts all illustrate an attack that lacks the sharp edge required at this level. Questions must be raised about the balance of the side. Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey are deployed in similar No 8 roles, potentially overlapping responsibilities and blurring who should dictate play from deeper positions.
Alessia Russo, traditionally a forward, is sometimes used as a creative No 10, but perhaps she would be more effective leading the line. The wingers, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith, combined for just one cross and a solitary successful dribble over the weekend, and even when Baum delivered a ball that found Blackstenius, it failed to result in a goal.
Rather than exploiting Manchester United’s defensive frailties as they adapt to Eva Olid’s new system, Arsenal spent much of the match standing off, hesitant to engage fully. With a squad of this caliber, such restraint is puzzling. Slegers needs to demand higher standards: more incisive playmaking, better service from the flanks, and clinical finishing. Every element in the final third must be elevated a gear or two; until that happens, draws will remain the most realistic outcome.
In contrast, Tottenham’s Holdt provides a glimpse of what a confident striker can achieve. Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt’s emerging prominence. Spurs’ fluid attacking style has already produced a 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace, with Martin Ho’s side netting six goals in a 25‑minute burst. Holdt’s hat‑trick in that game showcased a variety of finishes – a well‑executed throw‑in routine, a instinctive strike from a loose ball in the box, and a powerful finish after a quick turnover – underscoring her blend of talent, determination, and adaptability.
Her debut start for Spurs this season forced Ho to reconsider his tactical approach as his side climbed to second place. The next challenge for Arsenal is to find a similar spark and maintain consistency. The season is long, and while early points are valuable, they must be converted into victories if Arsenal hope to re‑establish themselves as genuine title contenders.
In summary, Arsenal’s unbeaten run is impressive on paper but hollow without wins. The team must address tactical redundancies, sharpen its attacking output, and rediscover the confidence that once made them a feared force.
Only then can they move beyond being labeled perpetual runners‑up and truly compete for the championship.