Arsenal Women's winless run in the Women's Super League stretched to five games after a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at the Emirates Stadium. The result leaves Renée Slegers's side eighth in the table with just six points from their opening six matches, a position the manager is determined to improve. Their league record stands at one win, three draws and two losses, with a recent form of one win, two draws and two losses.
Olivia Smith's 66th-minute equaliser, set up by Georgia Stanway, salvaged a point after Océane Hurtre had capitalised on a defensive lapse to give Birmingham the lead just after half-time. Arsenal dominated the ball with 75% possession and fired off 27 shots, but only four were on target. The team's inability to convert chances has been a recurring theme this season, with the side having scored only five goals while conceding seven.
Slegers' resolve
Facing questions after another frustrating result, the manager was unequivocal about her future. "Of course, yeah, I love Arsenal, I love this team, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Slegers said. She acknowledged the poor results but pointed to positives in the team's overall play, insisting she still believes she can help the team move forward. The draw with Birmingham followed a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City on 4 October and a 2-2 draw with Paris FC on 30 September.
The squad was depleted for the match, with captain Kim Little absent through illness and key midfielder Frida Maanum ruled out for 2-3 weeks with a quad injury. Alessia Russo was deployed in a deeper number 10 role, with several other attacking options unavailable. Slegers confirmed that the club is actively looking at the January transfer window to address the injury crisis and lack of depth. The team's top scorer this season is Lisa Baum with two goals in six appearances.
Upcoming Tottenham test
The immediate focus shifts to a key north London derby away to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, 24 October. Spurs currently sit fourth in the table, eight points ahead of Arsenal. The Gunners won the last meeting between the sides 4-1 in February, but their current form presents a significant challenge. They travel to Tottenham Park 12 points behind league leaders Manchester City. Slegers, who was appointed interim boss two years ago and made permanent in January 2025, identified defensive solidity during transitions and clinical finishing as the key areas requiring urgent improvement. Arsenal have scored just five league goals this season while conceding seven. Their next chance to end the winless streak comes this weekend. The manager stated that the team's spirit remains strong despite the results, and she is confident they can turn their season around starting with the derby.
First reported at espn.co.uk
