Arsenal Women Weekly Round-Up: Palace Frustration as Big Tests Loom

It has been a mixed week for Arsenal Women.

Last Sunday brought a winning start to the new WSL season as Lisa Baum marked her competitive debut with the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory away to Brighton.

This Sunday, however, Renée Slegers’ side were left frustrated after a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

Arsenal frustrated by Palace

Anyone watching the game could see that Arsenal were not short of attacking intent.

The Gunners created plenty of chances, hit the woodwork, forced saves and spent long periods pushing Palace back, but somehow the goal simply would not come.

Slegers made three changes from the Brighton win, with Lotte Wubben-Moy, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Chloe Kelly coming into the starting XI.

Afterwards, the Arsenal boss admitted, it had been a hugely frustrating afternoon, describing it as “probably one of the most frustrating ones” she could remember, as reported by Arseblog News.

Importantly, though, Slegers insisted the performance “wasn’t flat”, pointing instead to Arsenal’s attempts to dominate the game, keep the tempo high and continually create opportunities.

That feels like a fair summary.

Arsenal certainly did not lack effort or ideas. They simply could not apply the finishing touch.

Baum and Stanway make encouraging starts

There was plenty of praise for two of Arsenal’s summer arrivals following last weekend’s victory at Brighton.

Baum’s superb winning goal understandably grabbed the headlines, while Georgia Stanway also impressed on her return to English football.

The Guardian highlighted both among its WSL talking points, with Stanway heavily involved in Arsenal’s midfield play and Baum immediately showing the directness and attacking threat she can bring.

With so many new players joining over the summer, it will take some time for Slegers to find her strongest combinations.

Plenty of depth, but Arsenal need goals

The Palace game again demonstrated the strength of Arsenal’s squad.

Deadline-day signing Élisa De Almeida was included among the substitutes, while several senior players failed to make the matchday squad altogether.

That depth should prove crucial as the season intensifies.

There is, however, one obvious early talking point.

Arsenal have taken four points from their opening two WSL games and kept two clean sheets.

But Baum’s goal against Brighton remains their only league goal of the season.

That is hardly cause for alarm after just two games, especially given how many chances Arsenal created against Palace, but Slegers will certainly want greater ruthlessness in front of goal.

Huge tests are coming

Arsenal now face a much tougher run.

Manchester United visit the Emirates next weekend before Arsenal’s Champions League campaign begins shortly afterwards.

Chelsea and Paris FC also await as the schedule becomes significantly more demanding.

Four points and two clean sheets represent a solid foundation.

Now Arsenal Women need to turn their attacking dominance into goals.

What did you make of Arsenal’s performance against Crystal Palace, Gooners? Was it simply one of those days in front of goal, or are you concerned by Arsenal scoring just once in their opening two WSL matches? Let us know in the comments below.

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