A look into Arsenal’s WSL struggles to start season

As the Women's Super League season kicked off, Arsenal's underwhelming performance has become a primary talking point. According to Opta Analyst's analysis, the team's opening five matches of the 2026/27 season reveal significant issues affecting the traditionally strong Arsenal side. The team's expected goals (xG) have been dismal, with only four goals scored against an xG of 8.2, placing them among the worst in the league for scoring efficiency.

Despite creating ample chances, Arsenal's finishing is severely lacking; in their first match, they only converted one of nine big opportunities. Striker Alessia Russo, one of the team's top players, missed an alarming six of her chances across the first four games.

Arsenal's issue extends beyond just not finding the back of the net; their shot selection appears questionable. With a non-penalty expected goals (xG) per shot of just 0.085, the team's choices at the penalty spot have been questionable, compounded by a 35% shot blockage rate, the highest among WSL teams at the time of the report.

While the Gunners can maintain possession effectively, they struggle to convert that control into dangerous attacks. They have the third-highest turnover rate in the league (54), yet only seven of those resulted in shots, with none leading to goals. Arsenal also leads in passes into the opposition's half and final third but may focus too much on maintaining possession, which leaves them susceptible to defensive set-ups.

The team's high touch count in the opposition box, particularly against Crystal Palace, hasn't translated into goals. With 70 touches in that area, Arsenal's efforts resulted in a 0-0 draw. Given the squad's depth, questions arise about the best utilization of players. Russo's role has been scrutinized, as she has spent 67% of her minutes this season, down from 73% last year, and her shots per game have dropped to a career-low rate of 3.1.

Lisa Baum, on the other hand, has excelled in shots on target, progressive carries, and creating chances or taking on defenders, yet she has been substituted frequently. The question remains: what is the most effective combination in Arsenal's attack, especially considering players like Chloe Kelly, Frida Maanum, and Smilla Holmberg have seen limited playing time.

Despite Coach Renée Slegers making nine changes to her starting lineup and fielding 21 players in the first four matches, consistent performances from a core group remain elusive. Emily Fox and Leah Williamson have been Arsenal's sole constants, but the team's inability to find the right attacking dynamic is evident. The problem lies not in rotation but in the search for the optimal attacking lineup.

This frequent change of personnel may hinder the development of a cohesive attack, especially around Russo. Additionally, Arsenal's vulnerability during matches is highlighted by their defensive struggles when confronted with momentum shifts. Despite Manchester City's modest xG of 1.01, Arsenal conceded three goals in the second half after taking an early 2-1 lead.

The team's inability to adjust defensively after losing possession following extended periods of control and their inability to adapt when substitutes are brought on, such as Kerstin Casparij's rapid goal, expose their shortcomings in game management.