Women's Super League: Why are Arsenal struggling to score goals?

Arsenal have been in pursuit of the Women's Super League title for the last seven years, but they have had a shaky start to the season. The addition of new players to the team, such as Lisa Baum and Celina Searcy, are expected to strengthen their attack. However, their inability to score goals has affected their campaign.

Why it matters

Arsenal are concerned about their performance in the Women's Super League, especially ahead of the crucial match against Chelsea. Being seven points behind Manchester City is a big threat for them in the title race. If they lose this match, their position will become even weaker, which may affect their hopes for the season.

Key Points

• Women's Super League: Why are Arsenal struggling to score goals?.
• Arsenal are struggling to score goals in the Women's Super League, currently trailing Manchester City as they prepare for the crucial match against Chelsea..
• Women's Super League: Why are Arsenal struggling to score goals? - BBC Sport.

Arsenal are playing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their Women's Super League match, where defeat could prove a serious result. It is a harsh truth that if they fall behind early, it will be very difficult to make a comeback in the Women's Super League. Arsenal are already seven points behind Manchester City, although they have a one-game advantage, and that should not give them any more breathing room. Consecutive draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United have weakened Arsenal's campaign. Their slow start has also led to their defeat last season, while they have been in search of another Women's Super League title for the last seven years. During this time, they have won the Women's Champions League and the Women's Champions Cup, showing that they have the potential to win major titles. But the same story is being repeated so far in the 2026-27 season, as Arsenal's goalscoring ability has weakened. He needs a decisive performance on Sunday against Chelsea.

"If I look at the last two games, failing to convert that dominance into goals and wins is an aspect we need to focus on," coach Rennes Slagers said. He said, "We believe in the quality of the squad and trust their thinking. We can build in different ways. When it all works out correctly, it will be really good. It's all about the details in the end zone."

Arsenal were favored by many to win the Women's Super League this season, as they have improved their squad in the transfer window. German duo Lisa Baum and Selina Sersi have bolstered their attack, although England winger Beth Mead has joined Manchester City. Still, the Sluggers have plenty of options moving forward, including Chloe Kelly, Olivia Smith, Alecia Russo, Stina Blackstenius and Katelyn Ford, with Michelle Agyemang expected to return later this season.

However, despite the abundance of talent, Arsenal are struggling to score goals. Despite 56 shots in his first three WSL matches, he has only scored twice. He struggled to score a 95th-minute equalizer against Manchester United and conceded a 93rd-minute penalty against HB Koge in the Champions League. In the match against Crystal Palace, where they entered the Crystal Palace box 70 times and had 79% of the ball possession, they were still held to a 0–0 draw.

"It's a combination of a lot of things. There are some details in the decision making and some details in the technical implementation," Slagers said. He also said, "There is a lack of toughness in front of goal. I know the players want to do it. They want to perform for Arsenal. What kind of situations are we creating? What spaces are we in in the box? How are our runs, but also in other moments of the game? Counter-attacking moments and set pieces – these are also moments for us to be dangerous."

Arsenal are creating chances, so that's not a problem - but can the sluggers do anything to change that? An obvious question is why England's number nine, Rousseau, is not playing in that position. Only Manchester City striker Khadijah Shaw scored more goals than Rousseau in the WSL last season. But the Sluggers, who have often rotated Rousseau's position, have preferred him in the number 10 role in all WSL matches so far this season. It has not been good for him, as he has not scored any goals from 11 shots. In 507 minutes, he has scored only three goals, while the Slugs have scored 21 goals in 2,913 minutes as a striker.

Therefore, Arsenal need to highlight their attacking potential again if they want to achieve their goals in the Women's Super League.

What will happen next

Arsenal need a decisive performance against Chelsea to regain their lost momentum. Coach Ren Slagers has expressed confidence in the quality of the team, but they need to improve their goalscoring ability. If Arsenal are not successful in this match, they may have to reconsider their season targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Arsenal and Chelsea?

Match score is not given in this article.

How will Arsenal's defeat affect the Women's Super League standings?

Arsenal are already seven points behind Manchester City, and defeat could make it difficult for them to make a comeback.

When is Arsenal's next match?

Arsenal's next match is against Chelsea, which will be played on Sunday.

Why has Arsenal's goalscoring ability declined?

Arsenal's lack of goalscoring ability has come as a result of their failure to convert dominance into goals and wins in the last two matches.

What did Arsenal achieve last season?

Arsenal have won the Women's Champions League and the Women's Champions Cup in each of the last seven years.

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