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 look at the issues shaping the women's game today. Arsenal have just set a new club benchmark by going unbeaten for 20 consecutive league matches, the longest run in the club's Women's Super League history. Yet that achievement 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 number of frailties.
United, despite a shaky start to the campaign, managed to score a league‑high seven goals in the opening weeks, highlighting how unpredictable the competition can be. At the Emirates, Arsenal have not tasted defeat under Slegers, which makes the late drama all the more striking.
In the 95th minute, Smilla Holmberg latched onto a perfectly timed cross from Leah Williamson and forced a level‑score, preserving the Gunners' unbeaten home record. The goal was technically sound, but the quality of the strike was almost lost on a crowd that had just endured a goalless draw at Crystal Palace the previous weekend, creating a strange sense of déjà vu for many supporters.
The result leaves Arsenal perched on five points from three games, a tally that currently places them sixth in an expanded league of fourteen teams – up from twelve last season. The increase in participants may offer Slegers a small comfort; a longer season with 26 fixtures provides more opportunities to recover lost ground.
In hindsight, this draw could even be described as a "good point" when the full picture emerges. For now, however, the match must be framed as a setback – another hurdle for a side that has struggled to keep pace with the league's eventual champions over the past seven years, despite finishing runners‑up in the previous campaign. It raises the question: what does Arsenal stand for if not a genuine title‑contending outfit?
Is the club merely a collection of attacking talent that fails to convert chances, or does it lack the conviction needed to turn possession into decisive goals? So far, Arsenal have attempted 60 shots but have found the net only twice, an expected‑goals (xG) shortfall of 3.84. Slegers will undoubtedly have a response ready.
No team should be judged after just three fixtures, and the season is still in its infancy. Yet the patterns emerging from Arsenal's early outings point to deeper tactical issues. Opponents who set up in a compact block often frustrate the Gunners, making it difficult for them to break down disciplined defenses.
Securing a point against such teams is commendable, but a draw is rarely enough for a side with championship ambitions. Last season, four draws before Christmas effectively ended Arsenal's title hopes, a scenario they cannot afford to repeat.
The attacking fluidity that once defined Arsenal appears to be waning. Mariona Caldentey's pass to Alessia Russo was left wide and unthreatening, Stina Blackstenius' header was on target but saved by Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly's long‑range effort lacked the necessary precision. Each attempt was legitimate, yet each was tinged with a sense of doubt that has begun to creep into the team's psyche. A critical look at the midfield reveals possible role confusion.
Both Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey are being deployed as primary number‑8s, which may dilute their individual impact and blur the team's creative direction. Who should be dictating play from deep? Similarly, Alessia Russo is often positioned as a number‑10, but perhaps her strengths would be better utilized further up the pitch or even as a defensive outlet when the team is pressed.
The wide players, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith, combined for only one cross and a single successful dribble over the weekend, and the solitary cross that did reach Blackstenius should have resulted in a goal. Rather than exploiting Manchester United's defensive vulnerabilities, Arsenal spent large portions of the match standing off, appearing overly cautious. This restraint is puzzling given the squad's evident talent.
Slegers must demand higher standards: sharper decision‑making from the playmakers, more incisive service from the flanks, and greater composure in front of goal. The final third of the pitch needs to operate at a higher gear; until that happens, Arsenal will likely continue to settle for draws that feel more like missed opportunities than respectable results. In contrast, Tottenham's Holdt has emerged as a player who seems immune to a confidence crisis in front of goal. Since February, only Bunny Shaw has scored more frequently, with Holdt finding the net eight times.
Spurs' attacking style feels fresh and exhilarating, exemplified by a dominant 7‑0 victory over Crystal Palace, where Martin Ho's side ripped apart the opposition in a 25‑minute burst, scoring six goals. Holdt's hat‑trick in that match showcased her versatility: a well‑executed throw‑in finish, a powerful strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a composed finish after a quick turnover. She blends natural talent with determination and has adapted to the league's demands faster than most peers. Her ability to both create and finish chances makes her a valuable asset for Spurs as they climb to second place in the table.
The challenge now lies in maintaining that momentum. Overall, Arsenal's early season narrative is one of promise tempered by inconsistency. The club's record unbeaten run demonstrates resilience, but the inability to convert chances and break down organized defenses threatens to relegate them to the role of perpetual runners‑up.
For Slegers and her players, the task ahead is clear: refine tactical roles, enhance attacking sharpness, and rediscover the confidence that once made Arsenal a feared force in the Women's Super League. Only by addressing these issues can the Gunners transform their impressive unbeaten streak into a genuine title challenge.