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. While Arsenal have just set a new club record by remaining unbeaten for 20 league matches, that achievement offered little consolation to coach Renee Slegers after her side slipped up at home against a Manchester United team that, despite early-season growing pains, managed to concede a league‑high seven goals. Arsenal have never lost a home game under Slegers, so it was almost inevitable that Smilla Holmberg would seize a perfectly timed cross from Leah Williamson and level the score in the 95th minute, preserving the Gunners' unbeaten home run. The goal was technically sound, but its quality was almost lost on the expectant Emirates crowd, many of whom had just travelled to Crystal Palace the previous weekend to watch a goalless draw that left both fixtures with an uncanny sense of déjà vu.
Once again, Arsenal appear to be squandering their chance to mount a genuine title challenge right at the outset. With five points from three matches Arsenal sit only sixth in a league that has been expanded to 14 teams, up from 12. The extra slots may provide a sliver of comfort for Slegers, as the 26‑game season will inevitably produce a few more opportunities to pick up points. In hindsight, this draw could even be labelled a "good point" when the season is over.
For now, however, it is best described as a setback – another reminder that Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with the league's eventual champions over the past seven seasons, despite finishing runners‑up last term. So what do Arsenal stand for if not title contenders?
Are they a side that merely threatens to score without the conviction to finish? They have created 60 chances so far but have only found the net twice, a glaring xG shortfall of 3.84. Slegers will undoubtedly have a response: three games is a tiny sample size, and it is premature to write the team off.
Yet the pattern emerging from those early outings points to a deeper tactical issue that opponents have already identified. Opponents who sit compactly in front of Arsenal find it difficult to break them down. A disciplined defensive block can often earn a point – a result that is valuable for any team other than the Gunners, who need wins to stay in the title race. Four draws before Christmas were enough to derail Arsenal’s title hopes last season, and they cannot afford a repeat of that scenario.
The attacking fluidity that once defined Arsenal seems to be waning. Mariona Caldentey sent a careless lay‑off wide for Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius headed straight at goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, and Chloe Kelly’s long‑range effort lacked authority. All were legitimate attempts, yet each was tinged with doubt. Their most promising chance came only in the final moments of the game.
These early performances raise questions for both Slegers and her players. Is the midfield balance correct?
Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey appear to be sharing the same No 8 responsibilities, leaving the team without a clear deep‑lying playmaker. Should Alessia Russo operate as a traditional No 10, or is she better suited to a more defensive role? Are the wingers hesitant to take on defenders one‑on‑one?
Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith combined for just one cross and a single successful dribble over the weekend, and the cross that Baum delivered to Blackstenius should have produced a goal but did not. Instead of exploiting Manchester United’s transitional weaknesses under new manager Eva Olid, Arsenal spent much of the match standing off, too polite to press aggressively.
A squad of this calibre should not be content with such restraint. Slegers must demand higher standards: sharper creativity from the midfield, more incisive service from the flanks, and greater composure in front of goal. The final third needs to shift into a higher gear, or Arsenal will continue to settle for draws that barely reflect their potential. In contrast, Tottenham’s Holdt appears to be thriving.
Since February, only Bunny Shaw (with twelve goals) has outscored her, and her performances have been a breath of fresh air for Spurs. Tottenham’s attacking play is fluid and exciting, as demonstrated when they dismantled Crystal Palace 7‑0, scoring six goals in a 25‑minute burst.
Holdt’s hat‑trick showcased three distinct types of finish: a well‑rehearsed throw‑in routine, a powerful strike from a loose ball inside the box, and a clinical finish after a quick turnover. Her blend of talent, determination, and adaptability makes her a dual threat as both scorer and creator, and she helped Spurs climb to second place in the table. The challenge for Arsenal now is to rediscover the attacking verve that once made them a feared side, to tighten their defensive organization, and to convert the abundance of chances they create into goals.
Only then can they move beyond the label of perennial runners‑up and genuinely contend for the Women's Super League crown.