It has been another frustrating week for Arsenal Women, although Smilla Holmberg ensured it ended with at least something to celebrate after her dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Manchester United.
Last week’s Arsenal Women Weekly Roundup focused on the disappointment of being held 0-0 by Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, the Gunners have now followed that with another WSL draw, leaving Renée Slegers with plenty to work on as attention turns towards Europe.
Holmberg rescues Arsenal against Manchester United
Arsenal were held 1-1 by Manchester United at the Emirates on Saturday, with Holmberg striking in the 95th minute after Leah Williamson’s cross reached her at the far post.
United had taken the lead before Arsenal finally found their response deep into added time.
Slegers made changes to her attacking setup, with Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius starting together for the first time this season. Russo operated behind Blackstenius, while Olivia Smith and Lisa Baum completed an attacking-looking Arsenal side.
Selina Cerci was introduced during the second half as Arsenal chased the game, while Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly also came from the bench.
The result leaves Arsenal with five points from their opening three WSL matches after consecutive draws against Palace and United.
Slegers identifies Arsenal’s biggest problem
The Arsenal boss did not need many words to sum up what has been missing.
Asked for her main takeaway after the United draw, Slegers replied, as per Arseblog:
“Not turning dominance into danger.”
That has certainly been the theme of the last two league games.
Arsenal have had plenty of possession and opportunities to establish control, but converting that superiority into clear chances and, ultimately, goals has proved far more difficult.
There was at least encouragement in the determination shown to continue pushing against United until Holmberg eventually found the equaliser.
Champions League squad confirmed
Arsenal have also named their 25-player squad for the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase.
One notable absentee is Daphne van Domselaar. The goalkeeper continues her recovery from knee surgery in May, while Arsenal also had to make a decision because of the number of senior overseas players available.
Slegers is hopeful Van Domselaar could return sometime in October, although no firm date has been set.
Misa Rodriguez, Anneke Borbe and Isabella Damm are among the senior goalkeeping options included for Europe.
Europe next before a huge Chelsea test
There is little time for Arsenal Women to dwell on another frustrating league result.
The Gunners begin their Champions League campaign at home to HB Køge on Tuesday evening, offering an immediate opportunity to rediscover their attacking rhythm.
Then comes another major WSL test, with Arsenal travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea next Sunday.
After two successive league draws, it feels like an important week for Slegers and her players. Arsenal Women remain unbeaten, but turning control into goals must surely be the priority.
What do you think, Gooners? Are you concerned by Arsenal Women’s lack of goals, or will the attacking quality in this squad soon start producing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
Sadly it’s a recurring theme season after season. They are so wasteful in front of goal it’s not funny. I know it was against 10 players, but Spurs put 7 past Palace this afternoon.
Arsenal couldn’t score a goal against them from 30 attempts on goal. As I say, wasteful.
It s true, it looks like another similar story, too many wasted chances, too many lost points early in the season and it s all the more frustrating b/c we know our squad is very, very talented … it s as if the opponents are especially inspired to try and ‘low block’ us out of the game…. however may i be positive ?… our team is smart enough to learn from all this, to see that quick passes in the final third can bamboozle defenders, (EG HOLMBURG) that shots from the edge of the penalty area can get through, (EG STANWAY) that we too can counter attack when ever the other team comes forward (RUSSO), that we have great vision to seize opportunities (CALDENTAY), or to dribble round full backs (FOORD), it s all in our armoury, and much more too, our players need to be focused, practised and clinical, it will come right …one specific point, it s time for Renee to change her mindset about just one striker, let s play with two up front, like many other teams do, we have the players for it
Good evening Evan,
It’s good to see a post from you again. That’s two in quick succession after a long gap.
I wish I could share you’re optimism regards the Women’s team. While they have a good squad with quality players, it’s the manager I have my serious doubts about.
Just two examples for you. Currently she’s choosing a right back to play left back ahead of an actual left back in Hinds, what message is that sending her. And she hasn’t even made the bench for the last two games.
And she’s playing our top scorer in Russo as a number 10. She does things that she doesn’t need to do.
And the lack of finishing in games is a recurring thyme.
Although I can’t name a manger to replace her, I can’t help thinking that there must be a manager out there who would get a better tune out of this squad than the current manager.