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. Arsenal have just etched a new club record by going 20 matches unbeaten in the WSL, the longest run in the league's history.

Yet that achievement offers little solace to manager Renée Slegers after her side slipped up at home against Manchester United, conceding a league‑high seven goals and dropping two points. The Gunners have not lost a home game under Slegers, so it was almost inevitable that a late drama would unfold. In the 95th minute, Smilla Holmberg latched onto a perfectly timed cross from Leah Williamson and nudged a equaliser past the United keeper, preserving the unbeaten home record. While the strike was technically sound, the Emirates crowd seemed underwhelmed, perhaps still reeling from a goalless draw at Crystal Palace the weekend before.

The sense of déjà vu was palpable, and Arsenal now appear to be squandering the first real chance they have to mount a serious title challenge. Five points from three fixtures currently places Arsenal in sixth place in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen teams, extending the season to 26 games. The enlargement may provide a small comfort, as there will be more opportunities to recover points over a longer campaign.

In hindsight, this draw could be labelled a "good point" if the team can turn the tide later in the season. For now, however, it is best described as a setback – another blemish on a record that has shown little promise of breaking the dominance of the league’s leading clubs over the past seven years, despite a runner‑up finish last season.

So, what does Arsenal stand for if not a genuine title contender? Is the club merely a collection of players capable of creating chances without the conviction to finish them? In the first three games, Arsenal have attempted 60 shots but have only found the net twice, an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84. Renée Slegers certainly has time to defend her side; three games is a small sample and the season is barely past the halfway point of the first month.

Yet the patterns emerging are worrying. Opponents have discovered a tactical formula that frustrates Arsenal: sit in a compact block and make it difficult for the Gunners to break them down.

Maintaining discipline against Arsenal often yields a point, and a draw is a satisfactory result for almost every team except Arsenal themselves. Last season, four draws before Christmas effectively ended Arsenal’s title hopes. They cannot afford a repeat. The urgency to reverse this trend must be felt immediately.

One glaring issue is the waning speed and unpredictability of Arsenal’s attack. Mariona Caldentey mis‑timed a lay‑off to Alessia Russo, sending the ball wide. Stina Blackstenius headed a point‑blank effort that was comfortably saved by Phallon Tullis‑Joyce.

Chloe Kelly tried a long‑range effort that lacked precision. Each attempt was legitimate but tinged with a lingering doubt. Arsenal saved their best moment for the final whistle, but a single late goal does not mask the broader problems.

Questions arise for both Slegers and her squad after such a tentative start. Is the midfield balance correct?

Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey appear to be operating in similar No.8 roles, potentially duplicating responsibilities instead of complementing each other. Who should be dictating play from deeper positions?

Alessia Russo is often deployed as a No.10, yet perhaps she would be more effective closer to the defensive line, helping to press and win the ball higher up the pitch. The wide players also seemed hesitant to take on defenders one‑on‑one. Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith combined for only one cross and one successful dribble over the weekend.

Baum did deliver a ball that found Blackstenius, but the resulting chance should have resulted in a goal. Rather than exploiting Manchester United’s transitional weaknesses under new coach Eva Olid, Arsenal spent much of the match standing off, too polite to engage fully.

With a squad of this calibre, such restraint is puzzling. Slegers must demand higher standards: sharper decision‑making from the playmakers, more incisive service from the flanks, and clinical finishing in the final third. Until the team can raise its gear in these areas, draws will remain the most they can expect. In contrast, Tottenham’s Holdt appears to be thriving.

Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt’s growing confidence in front of goal. Spurs’ attacking fluidity is refreshing; they dismantled Crystal Palace with a 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 in the box, and a clinical finish after a quick turnover. She blends talent with determination and has adapted to the league's demands faster than most peers, contributing both goals and assists while also showing the ability to hold up play. Her debut start for Spurs this season gave manager Martin Ho a strong platform to push the team up to second place, and the challenge now is to maintain that momentum.

Overall, Arsenal must confront the reality that their current trajectory does not align with the expectations of a title‑challenging side. The club needs to inject urgency, refine its tactical approach, and find a way to translate the abundance of chances into goals. Only then can they move beyond being a team that merely "sets records for unbeaten runs" and become genuine contenders for the WSL crown.