Laura Hunter, the Sky Sports columnist, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, drawing attention to the narratives shaping the women's game today. Over the past fortnight, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has been forced to maintain a stoic front as her side has endured a worrying slump – four league matches without a win, marking the club's poorest start to a season since 2014.
The team's position in the table is already alarming, and the underlying problems run deeper than a simple run of bad luck. Slegers has repeatedly argued that Arsenal are being undone by "fine margins," suggesting that narrow margins of error are to blame for the recent defeats.
Yet, as the winless streak drags on, that line of reasoning loses credibility. The notion of fine margins implies that minor adjustments could tip the balance back in Arsenal's favour, but the reality on the pitch suggests a more systemic issue.
The manager herself admitted after the loss to Manchester City that the club intends to use the upcoming international break for a thorough review, stating that they will examine "not only what we see on matchday, but everything in the background" and that "we have to turn over every stone." This level of scrutiny is more appropriate for a fundamental problem than for a handful of close calls. When a team truly suffers from fine margins, the solution usually lies in small tactical tweaks or a bit of luck. Arsenal, however, appear to be mired in a confidence crisis that manifests most starkly in high‑pressure moments.
The symptoms are multi‑faceted and have tangible consequences on the field. One clear illustration came early in the match at the Etihad on Sunday. Within three minutes, Lisa Baum, a fresh face in the league known for her dynamism and hunger, found herself in a one‑on‑one situation with Manchester City defender Niamh Charles.
Instead of passing to Alessia Russo, who was perfectly placed for a simple tap‑in, Baum chose to shoot from a low‑probability angle and missed. In isolation, that decision could be chalked up to a young player’s desire to make an impact. Yet, it reflects a broader pattern of poor decision‑making in the final third, where Arsenal players frequently opt for low‑percentage attempts rather than exploiting higher‑percentage opportunities.
A similar scenario unfolded later when Georgia Stanway delivered a precise, sweeping pass to Emily Fox on the right flank. Fox attempted a speculative shot from an almost impossible angle, ignoring a better option: a delayed pass that would have released Russo on a blind‑side run behind Jade Rose, creating a clear chance at the back post. Stanway herself then tried a speculative 30‑yard effort that went wide.
These moments are not isolated; they reveal a recurring hesitation and lack of composure that erodes Arsenal's attacking potency. Statistically, the picture is bleak.
Arsenal’s expected‑goals (xG) differential sits at the bottom of the league, and their conversion rate is equally dismal. The team is taking shots out of desperation, a symptom of dwindling confidence, and the fluid, nuanced style that once defined Arsenal’s DNA has become stilted and predictable.
By contrast, Manchester City, under Andree Jeglertz, display a seamless flow across the three thirds of the pitch. Their players move with purpose, maintain balance, and create scoring opportunities through a variety of channels.
Jeglertz even praised Arsenal publicly after the game, calling them a "great football team," while simultaneously highlighting his own side’s "very fluent" attacking play and the fact that "we score in different ways." Arsenal’s creative paralysis means they cannot capitalize on the occasional defensive errors from City. Alessia Russo did manage to score a well‑timed second‑half goal, her first of the domestic campaign, offering a glimmer of hope.
However, her strike is more an exception than a sign of a revived attacking unit. Many Arsenal players are currently battling form issues that extend beyond a single off‑day, indicating deeper psychological and tactical concerns.
Looking ahead, Slegers and her coaching staff face a crucial test. The upcoming fixtures, including a north‑London derby later this month, will be the true barometer of whether the team can reverse its fortunes. Despite the recent turbulence, Slegers has built a strong rapport with her squad and retains the club’s backing, even though consistent results have been elusive. Arsenal’s board does not appear inclined to make drastic changes during the international window, giving Slegers a narrow window to reset the team’s mindset.
The time for platitudes about fine margins has passed. Arsenal must use the break to enact substantial changes, both mentally and tactically, and accept responsibility for the shortcomings that have already manifested on the pitch. The gap to league leaders Manchester City is not a marginal ten‑point deficit; it is a substantial chasm that requires a decisive response.
To bridge that gap, Arsenal will need to re‑establish belief in their own abilities, sharpen decision‑making in the final third, and return to the fluid, attacking football that once made them a dominant force. The forthcoming weeks will reveal whether Slegers can inspire a turnaround or if the club will continue to linger in a period of stagnation. The stakes are high, and the next chapter of Arsenal’s season hinges on the ability to move beyond excuses and deliver tangible, impactful performances.