Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, offering readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women's game today. In this extensive analysis, Hunter examines Arsenal's recent performance, the broader implications for their title ambitions, and contrasts their approach with that of other clubs, notably Tottenham Hotspur, while also highlighting individual player contributions and tactical nuances. Arsenal have just set a new club record for the longest unbeaten run in the Women's Super League, a streak now standing at twenty matches.
While that milestone sounds impressive on paper, it does little to soothe the frustration of coach Renee Slegers after her side dropped two points on home turf against Manchester United. United, despite a shaky start to the season and conceding a league‑high seven goals in their opening fixtures, managed to secure a point that feels like a setback for the Gunners, who have traditionally been difficult to beat at the Emirates. The match itself offered a dramatic climax. Smilla Holmberg latched onto a perfectly weighted cross from Leah Williamson and headed home in the 95th minute to force a draw.
The goal was a textbook example of timing and precision, yet it was largely drowned out by an Emirates crowd that seemed more preoccupied with the déjà vu of a goalless draw they had witnessed at Crystal Palace the previous weekend. The atmosphere hinted at a growing sense of disappointment among supporters who expected more from a team that, on paper, should be challenging for the championship. From a points perspective, Arsenal's five points from three games currently place them sixth in a league that has recently expanded from twelve to fourteen teams.
The expansion means a longer season—twenty‑six games instead of the previous twenty‑two—so there are more opportunities to climb the table. Nonetheless, early‑season form is often a strong indicator of a club's trajectory, and dropping points at home is a warning sign that cannot be ignored. The broader context suggests that Arsenal are experiencing a setback rather than a temporary blip.
Over the past seven seasons, the club has struggled to keep pace with the league's eventual champions, despite finishing as runners‑up last term. This pattern raises the question: what does Arsenal represent if not genuine title contenders? The team appears to possess the capacity to generate scoring chances—evidenced by sixty shots taken so far—but they have only converted two of those attempts, leaving them with an expected goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84. This disparity points to a lack of clinical finishing and perhaps a deeper tactical issue.
Coach Slegers has every right to defend her side, reminding everyone that three games is an insufficient sample size to pass final judgment. Yet the early matches have exposed a recurring problem: many opponents have learned to sit in compact defensive blocks that frustrate Arsenal's ability to break them down.
In such scenarios, even a disciplined defensive performance from the opposition can be enough to earn a point, while Arsenal often walks away with nothing more than a draw. Four draws before Christmas proved decisive in eliminating them from the title race last season, and repeating that pattern would be disastrous.
One glaring concern is the waning speed and unpredictability of Arsenal's attack. Instances such as Mariona Caldentey sending an errant lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius heading narrowly over Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly missing from distance illustrate a collective hesitation in the final third. These missed opportunities, while individually understandable, collectively erode confidence and feed a narrative of doubt. Tactically, questions arise about the balance of the midfield and the roles assigned to key players.
Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey seem to be operating in similar No 8 roles, potentially causing redundancy and a lack of clear direction from deeper positions. Meanwhile, Alessia Russo, traditionally a forward, is sometimes deployed as a No 10, blurring the lines between creator and finisher. The wingers, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith, contributed only a single cross and one successful dribble over the weekend, and even when Baum delivered a ball that found Blackstenius, it failed to result in a goal.
Against Manchester United, Arsenal chose to stay on the defensive rather than exploit United's transitional vulnerabilities under new manager Eva Olid. This overly cautious approach seemed at odds with the talent available in the Arsenal squad, suggesting a need for the coach to demand higher intensity, sharper decision‑making, and more aggressive positioning from her players. Until Arsenal can raise the gear in the attacking third, the most they can expect is a series of underwhelming draws. In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur's forward Holdt has emerged as a bright spot in the league.
Since February, only Bunny Shaw has outscored her, and Holdt's performances have been marked by a blend of natural talent and relentless determination. Her hat‑trick in a recent 7‑0 victory for Martin Ho's side showcased a variety of finishes—a well‑executed throw‑in routine, a powerful strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a clinical finish after a quick turnover.
This versatility underscores her ability to both create and convert chances, making her a pivotal figure in Spurs' ascent to second place. Spurs' attacking fluidity stands in stark contrast to Arsenal's tentative play. While Crystal Palace managed to hold Tottenham at bay for an entire half, they eventually succumbed to a relentless onslaught that saw six goals scored in just twenty‑five minutes. This demonstrates how a team that embraces an aggressive, forward‑thinking mindset can dominate matches, a lesson Arsenal would do well to heed.
Looking ahead, Arsenal must address several key areas if they hope to transform their unbeaten streak into a genuine title challenge. First, they need to improve their conversion rate, turning the high volume of shots into goals. Second, the coaching staff should clarify player roles, ensuring that midfielders and forwards complement rather than duplicate each other's responsibilities. Third, a more proactive attacking philosophy—pressing higher, exploiting space, and taking calculated risks—could help break down compact defenses.
Finally, mental resilience is essential; the squad must shake off the fear of dropping points at home and play with the confidence befitting a club of Arsenal's stature. In summary, while Arsenal's record unbeaten run is a commendable achievement, it masks deeper issues that could hinder their title aspirations. By refining tactical approaches, enhancing finishing efficiency, and fostering a more assertive attacking identity, the Gunners can convert their solid foundation into the championship contention they have long been expected to embody.
Until those adjustments are made, the team will likely continue to settle for draws and points that, while keeping them afloat, fall short of the ultimate prize.