Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the second round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Arsenal have set a club record for longest unbeaten streak in the Women's Super League (20 games). But that will be scant consolation for Renee Slegers after dropping two points at home to a Manchester United side who have shown untold vulnerabilities in the opening weeks of the season, shipping a league-high seven goals.
The Gunners do not lose at home under Slegers. So it stands to reason that Smilla Holmberg would latch onto a beautifully flighted cross from Leah Williamson to score a 95th-minute equaliser and preserve that honour. The goal was excellently worked.
But its quality was barely perceptible among an expectant Emirates crowd, some of whom will have travelled to Crystal Palace last weekend to watch a goalless stalemate play out, leaving both games with an odd sense of deja vu. Arsenal look to be blowing their chances of a proper title chase at the first hurdle. Five points from three games is only enough for sixth in this elevated, elongated league, now made up of 14 teams instead of 12.
Perhaps that extension offers Slegers some solace. There will inevitably be a few more hiding places along the course of a 26-game season; this might even come to be known as a 'good point' when all is said and done. Contextually, for now, it can only be framed as a setback.
Another stick to bash with. More proof of Arsenal's inability to keep pace with whomever the best team is in the league on any given year. There has been little evidence to the contrary for the past seven seasons, despite finishing second last term.
And so what are Arsenal, if not title contenders? What do they stand for, if not playing an attractive style that pairs with results? Are they a side with only the threat of goals, who lack the conviction with which they are scored?
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