Laura Hunter, the Sky Sports columnist, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of the Women's Super League, giving readers an inside look at the narratives shaping the women's game. In this analysis she focuses on Arsenal’s recent performance, the implications of their unbeaten run, and the tactical questions that have surfaced after a disappointing draw against Manchester United. Arsenal have just set a new club record for the longest unbeaten stretch in the Women's Super League, reaching twenty games without a loss.
On paper this is a remarkable achievement, yet it offers little consolation to head coach Renée Slegers after her side slipped up at the Emirates and surrendered two points to a Manchester United team that has already shown significant defensive frailties early in the campaign, conceding a league‑high seven goals. Historically, Slegers’ Arsenal have never been beaten on home turf. Consequently, when Smilla Holmberg tapped in a perfectly timed, lofted cross from Leah Williamson in the 95th minute to force a draw, many fans felt the result was a bittersweet affirmation of that home‑invincibility. The goal itself was well‑executed, but the quality of the strike was almost lost amid an expectant Emirates crowd that had just travelled to Crystal Palace the previous weekend to watch a goalless stalemate.
The two matches left supporters with a strange sense of déjà vu, as if the season were looping back on itself. The point earned against United puts Arsenal at five points from three games, a tally that currently places them sixth in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen clubs.
The expansion means a longer 26‑match schedule, which could give Slegers some breathing room; a single point may later be seen as a "good point" in the context of a marathon season. For now, however, the draw is best described as a setback – another hurdle on a road that has seen Arsenal struggle to keep pace with the league's eventual champions over the past seven seasons, despite finishing runners‑up last term. So what does Arsenal stand for if not a genuine title challenge? Are they a team that merely threatens to score without the conviction needed to finish chances?
Their statistics underline the problem: out of sixty shots taken so far, they have found the net only twice, leaving them with an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84. This inefficiency is a glaring symptom of deeper tactical issues.
Slegers will undoubtedly have a rebuttal ready. No side should be judged after only three fixtures, and the season is barely past the halfway point of its opening month. Yet the patterns emerging from Arsenal’s first three outings suggest a systemic problem that opponents have already begun to exploit.
When other teams set up in a compact block, Arsenal struggles to break them down. Maintaining defensive discipline against Arsenal often earns the opposition at least a point, and more often a draw – a result that benefits everyone except the Gunners, who need wins to stay in the title race. Four draws before Christmas were enough to derail Arsenal’s title ambitions last season, and they cannot afford a repeat.
The team’s attacking fluidity appears to be waning. Mariona Caldentey’s careless lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius’ close‑range header that barely missed Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly’s long‑range attempts all illustrate a lack of sharpness and confidence in the final third. These missed opportunities were compounded by a palpable sense of doubt that seemed to creep into the players’ mindset.
The tactical balance also appears muddled. Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey are deployed as central midfield No. 8s, which raises the question of who should be orchestrating play from deeper positions. Alessia Russo, traditionally a forward, is sometimes used as a No.
10, yet she often drifts too far forward, leaving the team vulnerable defensively. The wide players, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith, contributed only a single cross and a solitary successful dribble over the weekend. Baum’s delivery to Blackstenius was of sufficient quality to merit a goal, yet the finish was not taken.
Rather than exploiting Manchester United’s defensive naiveté as they adjust to Eva Olid’s new system, Arsenal spent much of the match standing off, hesitant to engage fully. This over‑cautious approach is puzzling given the squad’s talent pool. Slegers must demand more creativity from her playmakers, better service from the flanks, and a higher conversion rate in front of goal.
In short, the entire attacking unit needs to shift into a higher gear if Arsenal hopes to convert draws into victories. While Arsenal wrestle with these issues, Tottenham’s forward Holdt offers a contrasting case study.
Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt’s growing confidence and consistency. Tottenham’s attacking style is fluid and exciting; they dismantled Crystal Palace 7‑0 after a goalless first half, scoring six goals in a blistering 25‑minute spell.
Holdt’s hat‑trick that night showcased her versatility: a well‑rehearsed throw‑in finish, a powerful strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a clinical finish after a quick turnover. Holdt exemplifies the blend of talent and determination that allows a player to adapt quickly to the league’s demands.
She not only scores but also creates chances, capable of carrying the ball forward and distributing it effectively. Her impact helped Tottenham climb to second place, and the challenge now is to maintain that momentum. In summary, Arsenal’s early season narrative is one of unfulfilled potential.
Their record unbeaten run is impressive, yet the quality of their play, especially in front of goal, leaves much to be desired. Tactical ambiguity, a lack of decisive finishing, and an overly cautious approach against teams willing to sit deep have all contributed to a series of disappointing draws.
To re‑ignite their title aspirations, Slegers must clarify roles, sharpen the attack, and instill a greater sense of urgency. Until those adjustments are made, Arsenal are likely to continue collecting points rather than the wins required to challenge for the championship.