Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of the Women's Super League, offering readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women's game. The piece opens by noting Arsenal's new club record: a 20‑match unbeaten run in the league, the longest stretch in the team's history. Yet, despite the impressive streak, the Gunners suffered a setback when they dropped two points at home to Manchester United, a side that has displayed surprising frailties in the opening weeks, conceding a league‑high seven goals. Under manager Renee Slegers, Arsenal have yet to lose a home game, a fact that makes Smilla Holmberg's 95th‑minute equaliser – a well‑timed header from a lofted Leah Williamson cross – all the more significant.
The goal, while technically sound, was barely noticed by the Emirates crowd, many of whom had just travelled to Crystal Palace to watch a goalless draw that left both fixtures with a strange sense of déjà vu. The implication is clear: Arsenal risk squandering their title ambitions before the season truly gets underway. With five points from three matches, Arsenal sit sixth in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen teams, meaning the competition is now stretched over 26 games instead of the previous 22. Some might argue that the larger schedule provides extra breathing room, allowing teams to recover from early slip‑ups.
In that light, the draw against Manchester United could be labeled a "good point" when the season's full arc is considered. Nevertheless, at this stage it is best described as a setback – another obstacle in a pattern that has persisted for seven seasons, during which Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with the league's eventual champions, despite a runner‑up finish last term. The article asks a provocative question: if Arsenal are not genuine title contenders, what do they represent? The author suggests that the team’s style – once praised for its attractive, attacking flair – now seems to lack the conviction needed to turn chances into goals.
Arsenal have attempted 60 shots so far but have only found the net twice, an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84, highlighting a serious inefficiency in the final third. Slegers will undoubtedly have a response. No team should be judged after just three games, and the season is still in its infancy.
Yet the early performances expose a deeper tactical issue: many opponents have discovered a simple but effective way to neutralise Arsenal. By setting up in a compact block, they force the Gunners into a stalemate, making it difficult for them to break down disciplined defences. For most clubs, a draw against Arsenal is a satisfactory result; for Arsenal, it is a warning sign that they must find a way to unlock stubborn opponents if they hope to compete for the crown.
Four draws before Christmas were enough to end Arsenal's title hopes last season, and the club cannot afford a repeat. The problem appears to be a loss of pace and unpredictability in the attack. The article cites several examples from the Manchester United match: Mariona Caldentey's careless lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius' header that was well‑timed but saved by Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly's long‑range effort that lacked authority. These attempts, while technically sound, were tinged with doubt and failed to produce the decisive edge.
The author calls for a tactical reassessment. Are Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey both being used as central midfield No.8s, thereby overlapping responsibilities? Who should be the deep‑lying playmaker dictating tempo?
Should Alessia Russo operate as a true No.10, or is she being deployed too far forward, leaving the team without a reliable outlet? The wingers, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith, combined for only one cross and a single successful dribble over the weekend, and even the promising delivery from Baum that found Blackstenius did not result in a goal.
Rather than exploiting Manchester United's defensive weaknesses – especially as United adapt to Eva Olid's new system – Arsenal spent much of the match on the defensive, appearing overly polite and reluctant to press. Given the talent at their disposal, the squad should be more assertive. The article urges Slegers to demand higher standards: sharper creativity from the midfield, more incisive service from the flanks, and a higher conversion rate in front of goal.
Until these elements improve, Arsenal are likely to settle for draws that do not reflect their potential. The piece then shifts focus to Tottenham's striker Holdt, who has avoided a confidence crisis and is currently the second‑most prolific scorer since February, trailing only Bunny Shaw's twelve goals.
Holdt's hat‑trick for Spurs against Crystal Palace – a combination of a well‑executed throw‑in finish, a instinctive strike from a loose ball, and a goal from a rapid turnover – showcases her blend of talent and determination. Her ability to both create and finish chances, as well as carry the ball forward, makes her a valuable asset as Spurs climb to second place in the table.
In conclusion, while Arsenal boast a historic unbeaten run, their recent performances expose a lack of cutting edge that could derail their title aspirations. The team must address tactical redundancies, improve finishing efficiency, and rediscover the attacking fluidity that once defined them.
Only then can they move beyond being labelled "not title contenders" and truly challenge for the Women's Super League crown.