Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most compelling narratives emerging from the second round of the Women's Super League, pulling readers into the core storylines that define the women's game today. Arsenal have just etched a new club record by going unbeaten for twenty consecutive Women's Super League matches, a remarkable feat that underscores their consistency.
Yet, for manager Renee Slegers, the achievement feels hollow after a home draw against a Manchester United side that has exposed surprising frailties early in the campaign, conceding a league‑high seven goals in just a handful of games. At the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have never been beaten on home soil under Slegers, so it was only natural that Smilla Holmberg would seize a perfectly timed cross from Leah Williamson and head in a 95th‑minute equaliser, preserving the club's pristine home record. The goal was technically sound, but its brilliance was almost lost on an expectant crowd that had just endured a goalless stalemate at Crystal Palace the previous weekend, creating a strange sense of déjà vu for many supporters. Arsenal now appear to be squandering their chance to mount a serious title challenge right from the outset, and once again the pattern repeats itself.
Five points from three matches currently places them sixth in an expanded league that now features fourteen teams rather than twelve. The enlargement of the competition may provide a small consolation for Slegers, as a longer season offers more opportunities to recover points.
In a 26‑game schedule, a single draw could eventually be labelled a "good point" when the dust settles. For the moment, however, the draw must be seen as a setback – another hurdle to overcome and further evidence of Arsenal's struggle to keep pace with the league's eventual champions.
Over the past seven seasons, the Gunners have consistently fallen short of the top spot, despite a runner‑up finish last term. So, what does Arsenal stand for if not genuine title contenders? Are they a team that merely threatens to score without possessing the conviction to finish chances?
Their statistics speak loudly: out of sixty shots taken so far, they have only found the net twice, delivering an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84. Slegers certainly has plenty of time to defend her side against such criticism. No team should be dismissed after just three games; the season is barely past the halfway point of its opening month.
Yet, Arsenal's early performances have exposed a deeper issue that extends beyond a small sample size. Opponents seem to have identified a tactical weakness that can be exploited.
When other squads adopt a compact, disciplined block against Arsenal, the Gunners struggle to break them down. Maintaining a solid defensive shape against them often earns a point – rarely more – and a draw becomes a valuable result for virtually every team except Arsenal themselves. This defensive resilience forces Arsenal to concede possession and wait for chances that seldom materialise. Four draws before Christmas were enough to derail Arsenal's title aspirations last season, and they cannot afford a repeat of that scenario.
The urgency to change must be felt immediately, but how can it be achieved? Arsenal's attacking fluidity and unpredictability appear to be fading. Mariona Caldentey sent Alessia Russo's lay‑off wayward, Stina Blackstenius headed directly at goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly tried her luck from distance – all legitimate attempts, yet each was tinged with an undercurrent of doubt. Their best moment came only in the final seconds of the match.
Both Slegers and her players need to be questioned after such a passive start. Is the midfield balance correct? Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey seem to be performing overlapping No.
8 roles, potentially causing confusion about who should dictate play from deeper positions. Should Alessia Russo be deployed as a true No. 10, or is she being used as a defensive shield? 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 one successful dribble, and the lone delivery from Baum that found Stina Blackstenius should have resulted in a goal. Instead of exploiting Manchester United's defensive vulnerabilities as they adapt to Eva Olid's new system, Arsenal spent much of the game standing off, too polite to press aggressively. A squad of this talent should not be content with restraint. Slegers must demand higher standards: sharper creativity from the midfield, more incisive service from the flanks, and greater composure in front of goal.
Every element of the final third needs to shift into a higher gear. Until that transformation occurs, Arsenal will continue to settle for disappointing draws.
In contrast, Tottenham's Holdt shows no signs of a confidence crisis. Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her. Holdt's fluid attacking style is fresh and exciting. Crystal Palace managed to hold Spurs for an entire half before succumbing to a 7‑0 demolition, during which Martin Ho's side netted six goals in a blistering 25‑minute spell.
Holdt's hat‑trick set the tone – a perfect trio of diverse strikes: a well‑rehearsed throw‑in finish, an instinctive volley from a loose ball inside the box, and a powerful shot following a quick turnover. To my eyes, she epitomises the blend of talent and determination, adapting to league 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, Holdt gave Ho plenty to contemplate as his side climbed to second place in the table. The challenge now lies in maintaining that position. Overall, Arsenal must confront the reality that their current approach is insufficient for a genuine title run. They need to rediscover the attacking verve that once made them feared, refine tactical roles within the midfield, and ensure their forwards receive the quality service required to convert chances.
Only then can they move beyond being labelled perpetual runners‑up and truly contend for the championship. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.