Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most compelling narratives emerging from the second round of the Women’s Super League, offering readers a deeper understanding of the pivotal moments shaping the women’s game. In this analysis she focuses on Arsenal’s recent performances, the challenges they face, and the broader implications for the title race.
Arsenal have just etched a new club record by going 20 matches unbeaten in the Women's Super League, a streak that underscores their consistency and defensive solidity. Yet that achievement offered little solace to manager Renée Slegers after her side slipped up at the Emirates, conceding two points at home to a Manchester United team that has, until now, displayed a surprising degree of frailty.
United, despite a shaky start to the campaign, managed to produce a league‑high seven goals in the opening weeks, exposing defensive lapses that Arsenal could not afford. Historically, Arsenal have never been beaten on their own turf under Slegers, which made the late drama all the more striking.
In the 95th minute, Smilla Holmberg latched onto a perfectly weighted cross from Leah Williamson and headed home to force a draw, preserving the club’s unbeaten home record. The goal was technically sound, but its brilliance was almost lost on an Emirates crowd that seemed more preoccupied with the déjà vu of a previous goalless draw against Crystal Palace. The atmosphere hinted at growing frustration: Arsenal appear to be squandering the chance to mount a genuine title challenge right from the outset, and this pattern is beginning to repeat itself. Five points from three fixtures currently places Arsenal in sixth position in a league that has expanded from twelve to fourteen clubs, extending the season to 26 matches.
The expansion offers a sliver of hope; there are more opportunities to climb the table and more games in which a single point can be salvaged. Nevertheless, the current standing is a clear setback, a tangible reminder that Arsenal are struggling to keep pace with the league’s leading side, whatever form that side may take. Over the past seven seasons, the Gunners have repeatedly fallen short of the top spot, even after a runner‑up finish last term, and there is little evidence to suggest that trend is reversing. So, what does Arsenal stand for if not a title‑contending outfit?
Is the team merely an attractive side that fails to translate style into results? The statistics are stark: out of 60 shots taken so far this season, Arsenal have scored only twice, a glaring under‑performance when measured against an expected goals (xG) value of 3.84. Such a disparity points to a deeper problem in the final third – a lack of cutting edge and clinical finishing.
Slegers will undoubtedly have a response to these criticisms. Three games is a small sample size, and it is premature to write off a team that has only just crossed the halfway point of the season.
Yet the patterns emerging from Arsenal’s early outings suggest a tactical issue that opponents have already identified and are exploiting. When teams set up in a compact block, Arsenal struggles to break them down.
Maintaining defensive discipline against Arsenal often yields a point, and for most clubs a draw is a satisfactory outcome – a reality that works against Arsenal’s ambitions. Last season, four draws before Christmas effectively ended Arsenal’s title hopes, and the club cannot afford a repeat. The urgency to reverse this trend is palpable, but the solution is not simple. The attacking fluidity that once defined Arsenal appears to be waning.
Mariona Caldentey’s reckless lay‑off to Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius’s near‑miss header that fell short of Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly’s speculative long‑range attempts all illustrate a collective hesitation and a loss of confidence in front of goal. The decisive moment came at the very end of the match, when Arsenal finally produced a spark, but it was too little, too late. This raises several questions for Slegers and her squad.
Is the midfield balance correct? Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey are operating as central midfielders, essentially sharing the No.8 role, which may cause confusion over who should dictate play from deeper positions. Should Alessia Russo be deployed as a traditional No.10, or is she better suited to a deeper, more defensive role? Are the wide players, such as Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith, too timid to take on one‑on‑one battles?
Over the weekend they combined for only one cross and a single successful dribble, and even the cross that Baum delivered to Blackstenius should have resulted in a goal. Instead of exploiting Manchester United’s transitional weaknesses – weaknesses that United are still ironing out under Eva Olid’s new system – Arsenal spent much of the game on the back foot, overly cautious and reluctant to engage fully. This restraint is puzzling given the talent at the club’s disposal.
Slegers must demand higher standards: sharper decision‑making from the playmakers, more incisive service from the flanks, and a higher conversion rate in front of goal. The entire attacking unit needs to shift into a higher gear if Arsenal hopes to avoid a series of disappointing draws. In contrast, Tottenham’s Holdt has emerged as a player who seems immune to a confidence crisis.
Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, highlighting Holdt’s consistency. Tottenham’s attacking play is fluid and exciting; after a first‑half stalemate against Crystal Palace, they unleashed a torrent of goals, winning 7‑0 with six strikes in just 25 minutes. Holdt’s hat‑trick set the tone, showcasing a variety of finishes – a well‑executed throw‑in routine, a powerful strike from a loose ball inside the box, 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 driving her team forward.
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 next challenge for Spurs will be to maintain that momentum and continue to press for the top spots.
In summary, Arsenal’s early season narrative is one of unfulfilled potential. While the unbeaten home record and the historic 20‑game streak are commendable, they mask deeper issues in attack, tactical flexibility, and mental sharpness.
If the Gunners wish to re‑establish themselves as genuine title contenders, they must address these shortcomings swiftly, re‑ignite their attacking instincts, and convert the chances they create into goals. Until then, draws will remain the most realistic expectation for a side that once seemed destined for silverware.