Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the major talking points from the second round of the Women's Super League, offering readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women's game. Arsenal have just set a new club record by going unbeaten for 20 matches in the Women's Super League. While that achievement sounds impressive, it offers little consolation to manager 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. Historically, Slegers' Arsenal have never been beaten on their own turf.
It was therefore almost inevitable that Smilla Holmberg would seize a perfectly timed, lofted cross from Leah Williamson and head in a 95th‑minute equaliser, preserving the club's unbeaten home run. The goal was technically sound, but its brilliance was almost lost on an Emirates crowd that seemed more pre‑occupied with the memory of last weekend’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace. Both fixtures left supporters with a strange sense of déjà vu, as if the season were repeating itself before it had even begun. The result means Arsenal now sit on five points from three games – a tally that only places them sixth in a league that has been expanded from twelve to fourteen clubs.
The enlargement of the competition does provide a sliver of comfort; there are now more opportunities to pick up points over a 26‑match schedule. In hindsight, this draw might be labelled a "good point" when the season reaches its climax, but for now it is best described as a setback – another hurdle for a side that has struggled to keep pace with the league’s eventual champions for the past seven seasons, even after finishing as runners‑up last term.
So what does Arsenal represent if not genuine title challengers? Is the team merely a collection of attacking talent that fails to translate chances into goals?
The statistics underline the problem: out of 60 shots taken so far, Arsenal have scored only twice, resulting in an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84. This inefficiency points to deeper issues than a simple lack of finishing.
Slegers certainly has time to respond to such criticism. No squad should be judged after only three fixtures, and the season is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, the early games have exposed a tactical vulnerability that opponents are already exploiting.
When a side sets up in a compact block, Arsenal find it difficult to break them down. Defensive discipline against Arsenal often earns the opposition a point – a result that, for most clubs, is a satisfactory return, but for Arsenal it is a disappointment. Four draws before Christmas were enough to derail Arsenal's title hopes last season, and the club cannot afford a repeat. The attacking spark that once defined the Gunners appears to be fading.
Mariona Caldentey’s careless lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius’s close‑range header that merely brushed past Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly’s speculative long‑range effort all illustrate a lack of cutting edge. Each attempt was legitimate, yet each was tinged with doubt. The decisive moment came in the final minute, when Arsenal finally produced a moment of quality.
That solitary highlight, however, does not erase the broader concerns that have emerged. Key questions arise for Slegers and her players.
Is the balance of the midfield correct? Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey are being deployed as central midfielders, effectively sharing the No 8 role. Who should be the deeper‑lying playmaker dictating tempo? Should Alessia Russo operate as a traditional No 10, or would she be more effective pressing from the front line?
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 a single successful dribble, and the cross that Baum delivered to Blackstenius should have resulted in a goal but did not. Instead of targeting Manchester United's defensive frailties – a team still adjusting to Eva Olid’s new system – Arsenal spent much of the match standing off, too polite to fully engage.
With a squad of this caliber, such restraint is puzzling. What Slegers must do is demand more from her side: sharper creativity from the midfield, more incisive service from the flanks, and greater composure in front of goal. The final third needs to operate at a higher gear across the board. Until that happens, Arsenal are likely to settle for draws that feel more like missed opportunities than hard‑earned points.
In contrast, Tottenham’s forward Holdt appears to be thriving. Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt’s growing confidence. Spurs’ attacking play is fluid and exciting; they dismantled Crystal Palace with a 7‑0 victory, scoring six goals in a blistering 25‑minute spell. Holdt’s hat‑trick showcased a variety of finishes – a well‑executed set‑piece, a instinctive strike from a loose ball, and a composed finish after a quick turnover.
Her blend of talent, determination, and adaptability makes her a dual threat as both scorer and creator, capable of carrying the ball forward and distributing it effectively. On her first start for Spurs this season, Holdt gave manager Martin Ho plenty to think about as his side climbed to second place in the table.
The challenge now is maintaining that position. Overall, Arsenal must confront the reality that their current trajectory does not align with the expectations of a title‑contending side. They need to sharpen their attacking intent, diversify midfield responsibilities, and exploit the weaknesses of opponents rather than retreating into a defensive shell. Only by addressing these tactical and psychological shortcomings can they transform early‑season draws into the wins required for a genuine championship push.
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