Arsenal Women's failure to convert dominance into goals has raised serious questions about their Women's Super League title credentials. With just two goals from 60 attempts in the first three games of the 2026 season, the Gunners sit sixth in the table on five points, already four points behind leaders Manchester City.

Head coach Renee Slegers' side extended their club-record unbeaten streak to 20 WSL games with a 95th-minute equaliser against Manchester United last Friday. Smilla Holmberg headed home a beautifully flighted cross from Leah Williamson deep into stoppage time at the Emirates Stadium to salvage a 1-1 draw. That result followed a goalless stalemate away at Crystal Palace the previous weekend.

Wasteful finishing

The underlying numbers are stark. Arsenal's expected goals underperformance stands at 3.84 after three matches, a clear sign of profligacy in front of goal. Against a Manchester United side that had conceded a league-high seven goals, the Gunners created numerous chances. Stina Blackstenius saw a point-blank header saved by goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, while Chloe Kelly attempted several shots from distance. Wingers Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith managed just one cross and one successful dribble between them.

Midfielders Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey, operating as primary number eights, have controlled games but the final product has been missing. Forward Alessia Russo's role, whether as a number ten or the last line of defence, is also under scrutiny as the team searches for a cutting edge.

The wider context

While Arsenal have struggled for goals, rivals have flourished. Tottenham Hotspur moved up to second in the table after a 7-0 demolition of Crystal Palace, inspired by a hat-trick from Olivia Holdt. Since the start of February, only Bunny Shaw has scored more WSL goals than Holdt's eight. Martin Ho's Spurs side showed the clinical edge Arsenal currently lack.

Columnist Laura Hunter posed the blunt question facing the club. "Arsenal cannot be also-rans already, can they?" she said. Hunter also noted the one positive constant: "The Gunners do not lose at home under Slegers."

That resilience will be tested immediately. Arsenal's next fixture is a daunting trip to face Chelsea, who are third, on Sunday 27 September. The Gunners' recent form shows three wins and two draws from their last five matches, but they must start turning draws into wins to close the gap at the top. The full schedule, including the key Chelsea clash, is available on our fixtures page.

But the early evidence suggests a team struggling to turn possession and chances into the points required for a title challenge. The visit to Stamford Bridge represents a key early examination of their championship mettle.

First reported at Sky Sports Football