Arsenal enter their Women’s Super League fixture at Stamford Bridge acutely aware that a loss to rivals Chelsea would significantly dent their championship aspirations just four weeks into the campaign. The Gunners currently sit seven points behind leaders Manchester City, though they retain a game in hand, and manager Renee Slegers recognizes the danger of extending that gap too early.
Back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United have unsettled Arsenal’s start to the season. This pattern of sluggish begins has historically undermined their pursuit of the WSL title, a quest that has spanned seven years. While the squad has demonstrated its capacity to win major trophies—including the Women’s Champions League and Women’s Champions Cup—the current campaign mirrors past struggles, characterized by a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal.
“If I look at the last two games, not turning that dominance into goals and wins, is something we have to look at,” Slegers admitted. “We believe in the quality of the squad and their ideas. We can create in a variety of ways. When that starts clicking, it will be really good.”
Despite being heavy favorites following significant summer investment—bolstered by German signings Lisa Baum and Selina Cerci, even as Beth Mead departed for Manchester City—Arsenal have found the net sparingly. Across their opening three WSL matches, the team has registered 56 shots but managed only two goals. Their recent results include a 95th-minute equalizer against Manchester United and a dramatic 93rd-minute penalty against HB Koge in the Champions League.
A stark example of their inefficiency occurred during the draw with Palace, where Arsenal enjoyed 79% possession and 70 touches in the opposition box yet failed to break through. Slegers attributed the issue to fine margins: “It’s a combination of things. There’s some details in decision-making and some details in the technical execution… It’s also the ruthlessness in front of goal.”
The tactical deployment of England striker Alessia Russo has drawn particular attention. Despite scoring 13 WSL goals last season, Russo has been utilized as an attacking midfielder (number 10) in all three league games this term. She has yet to score, having taken 11 shots with 10 coming from inside the area. Statistical analysis indicates she has scored three goals in 507 minutes as an attacking midfielder, compared to 21 goals in 2,913 minutes as a striker.
Addressing the decision, Slegers explained that the manager prioritized maintaining a high presence in the box to threaten crosses. “The plan was to have two number nines in the box as much as possible for crosses,” the manager stated, noting that Russo and Stina Blackstenius were deployed together to maximize aerial and instinctive threats near goal. However, data shows Russo and Blackstenius have never directly combined for a goal when Russo has started in midfield, reinforcing questions about whether a return to a traditional striker role might unlock Arsenal’s offensive potential as they prepare for the critical London derby.
I still think they have the quality to turn it around. Summer investment usually pays off eventually. Chelsea clash will be telling though.
56 shots for two goals is frankly alarming. Something has to change before the title race truly begins.
Russo at number ten seems wrong on paper. Her numbers as a striker are far superior. Why ignore the data, Renee?
Seven points back with only three games played? That feels dangerously early. The pressure is already mounting on Slegers.