Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most significant talking points emerging from the second round of the Women's Super League, drawing readers closer to the narratives that shape the women’s game. She begins by noting that Arsenal have just set a new club record: a 20‑match unbeaten run in the league, the longest stretch in the team’s history.
While the statistic sounds impressive, it offers little solace to manager Renee Slegers after her side slipped up at home against Manchester United, conceding two points in a match that exposed a surprising degree of frailty. United, who have been surprisingly porous in the opening weeks, managed to score seven goals across the early fixtures, the highest tally in the league so far.
Arsenal have not lost a home game under Slegers, a fact that makes the 95th‑minute equaliser by Smilla Holmberg all the more poignant. Holmberg arrived late, meeting a perfectly floated cross from Leah Williamson and tapping the ball home to salvage a point. The goal itself was technically sound, but the reaction from the Emirates crowd was muted; many spectators were still processing the goalless draw they had watched at Crystal Palace the previous weekend, creating a strange sense of déjà vu.
The Gunners now appear to be squandering any realistic chance of mounting a serious title challenge right from the first hurdle. With five points from three games, Arsenal sit only sixth in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen teams, stretching the season to 26 matches. The expansion does give Slegers a sliver of comfort – there are more opportunities to climb the table, and a point earned in a tight match may later be described as a "good point" when the season’s narrative is written.
Nevertheless, for the moment the result is best seen as a setback, another reminder that Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with the league’s strongest side for the past seven seasons, despite finishing runners‑up last term. This raises a broader question: what does Arsenal stand for if not a genuine title contender? The team’s identity has long been linked to an attractive, attacking style that produces goals.
Yet, after sixty chances, they have only found the net twice, leaving their expected‑goals (xG) figure at a disappointing 3.84. Slegers will undoubtedly have a response – three games is a tiny sample size, and the season is only just beginning. However, the pattern emerging from those early outings points to a deeper tactical issue: many opponents seem to have discovered a reliable way to neutralise Arsenal’s usual fluidity.
When a side sets up in a compact block, Arsenal often struggle to break it down. Maintaining defensive discipline against the Gunners is usually enough to earn a point, and more often than not, the draw is the most realistic outcome for anyone other than Arsenal themselves. Last season, four draws before Christmas effectively ended Arsenal’s title hopes, a scenario they cannot afford to repeat. The urgency to reverse this trend is palpable, but how can it be achieved?
One symptom of the problem is a noticeable decline in the speed and unpredictability of Arsenal’s attack. Mariona Caldentey’s misplaced lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius’s header that was well‑timed but failed to beat goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly’s long‑range effort all illustrate a lack of cutting edge. The team’s most promising moment arrived only in the final seconds of the match, underscoring the need for a more proactive approach. Several tactical questions arise for Slegers and her squad.
Is the balance in midfield correct? Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey appear to be deployed in similar No 8 roles, potentially overlapping responsibilities and diluting influence. Who should be the deep‑lying playmaker dictating tempo? Should Alessia Russo operate as a traditional No 10, or perhaps be positioned deeper to help shield the defence?
Moreover, the wide players seemed hesitant to take on defenders one‑on‑one; Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith combined for only a single cross and a solitary successful dribble over the weekend, despite Baum’s delivery to Blackstenius looking goal‑worthy. Rather than exploiting Manchester United’s transitional weaknesses under new manager Eva Olid, Arsenal spent much of the game in a passive stance, almost too polite to engage fully. Given the talent at their disposal, such restraint feels inexplicable. Slegers must demand more refined creativity from her midfield, sharper service from the flanks, and a higher conversion rate in the final third.
In short, every facet of Arsenal’s attacking play needs to shift up a gear if they are to avoid a series of disappointing draws. By contrast, Tottenham’s Holdt offers a case study in confidence and efficiency.
Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt’s striking form. Spurs’ attacking fluidity is fresh and exciting; after a disciplined first half against Crystal Palace, they unleashed a devastating 7‑0 victory, scoring six times in a 25‑minute burst. Holdt’s hat‑trick 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 swift turnover.
She blends talent with determination, adapting to the league’s demands faster than most peers, and can both create and finish chances while also contributing to build‑up play. In her debut start for Spurs this season, Holdt gave manager Martin Ho plenty to think about as his side climbed to second place. The challenge now is to maintain that momentum.
For Arsenal, the lesson is clear: they must rediscover the attacking verve that once made them genuine title challengers, tighten their defensive shape, and ensure that every player understands their specific role within the system. Only then can they convert their unbeaten streak into a genuine championship push rather than a series of narrow escapes.