Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the major talking points from the second round of the Women's Super League, giving readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women's game. Arsenal have just set a new club benchmark by going 20 matches unbeaten in the WSL, the longest run in the team's history. Yet that achievement offered little consolation to manager Renée Slegers after her side slipped up at the Emirates, conceding two points to a Manchester United team that has exposed a surprising number of frailties early in the campaign, surrendering a league‑high seven goals in the process.
Under Slegers the Gunners have never been beaten at home, so it was almost inevitable that Smilla Holmberg would seize a perfectly timed, lofted cross from Leah Williamson to level the score in the 95th minute, preserving the club's unbeaten home record. The strike was technically sound, but its brilliance was almost lost on an Emirates crowd that seemed more preoccupied with the déjà vu of the previous weekend’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace. That sense of repetition left many fans wondering whether Arsenal are squandering their chance to mount a genuine title challenge from the very first hurdle – again.
Five points from three matches currently places Arsenal in sixth position in a league that has expanded to 14 clubs, up from 12. The enlargement of the competition may provide a small comfort to Slegers, as a longer season (26 games) will inevitably produce more opportunities to pick up points. In hindsight, a draw like the one at the Emirates might be labelled a "good point" once the season reaches its conclusion. For now, however, it must be viewed as a setback – another reminder that Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with the league's leading side for the past seven seasons, despite finishing runners‑up last term.
So what does Arsenal stand for if not title contenders? Are they a side that boasts an attractive, attacking style but fails to translate that into results?
From 60 shots taken so far, they have found the net only twice, an expected‑goals shortfall of 3.84. Slegers will undoubtedly have a response to that criticism. No team should be written off after just three games; the season is barely beyond the halfway point of the opening month.
Yet the three outings have already highlighted a deeper issue that opponents seem to have exploited: a compact defensive block can stifle Arsenal's creativity, making it difficult for them to break down well‑organised sides. For most teams, a disciplined performance against the Gunners is enough for a point, and a draw is a valuable result for anyone other than Arsenal themselves.
Four draws before Christmas were enough to end Arsenal's title hopes last season, and they cannot afford a repeat of that pattern. The solution must be found quickly. One worrying trend is the diminishing speed and unpredictability of Arsenal's attack.
Mariona Caldentey sent a careless lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius headed a point‑blank effort that was saved by Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly tried her luck from distance – all legitimate attempts, yet each was tinged with a lack of confidence. Their best chance came only in the final kick 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 appear to be performing overlapping No.8 roles, potentially causing confusion about who should dictate play from deep.
Should Alessia Russo operate as a true No.10, or is she better suited to a more defensive position? Are the wide players hesitant to take on defenders one‑on‑one?
Over the weekend, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith combined for just one cross and one successful dribble, and the cross that Baum delivered to Blackstenius should have resulted in a goal. Rather than exploiting Manchester United's growing pains under Eva Olid, Arsenal spent much of the game standing off, too polite to engage fully. This squad possesses enough talent to be more aggressive.
Slegers must demand higher standards: sharper decision‑making from the playmakers, better service from the flanks, and more clinical finishing. The final third needs to shift into a higher gear, or Arsenal will continue to settle for disappointing draws. In contrast, Tottenham's Holdt appears to be thriving. Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with 12 goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt's growing confidence in front of goal.
Spurs' attacking fluidity is fresh and exciting. Crystal Palace managed to hold out for a full half before succumbing to Martin Ho's inventive side, which produced a 7‑0 demolition, scoring six goals in a blistering 25‑minute spell. Holdt's hat‑trick set the tone for that victory: a neatly executed throw‑in finish, an instinctive strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a powerful finish following a quick turnover.
She blends talent with determination and has adapted to the league's demands faster than most. As a scorer and creator, she can both carry the ball and distribute it effectively.
Her first start for Spurs this season gave Ho plenty to contemplate as his side moved up to second place in the table, and the challenge now is to maintain that position. Overall, Arsenal's early season narrative is one of potential hampered by execution. The record unbeaten run provides a solid foundation, but the inability to convert chances and break down compact defenses threatens to relegate them to the role of perennial runners‑up rather than genuine champions.
To change that trajectory, Slegers must fine‑tune the midfield roles, empower her forwards to take more risks, and ensure the wide players deliver consistent, dangerous service. Only then can Arsenal transform their attractive style into the decisive results needed to contend for the WSL title.