WSL: Why are Arsenal struggling so much to score this year?
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Already behind at the top of the Women's Super League, Arsenal is facing an offensive crisis which compromises its title chances. Despite a reinforced squad, the lack of finishing is worrying before a decisive clash against Chelsea.
According to Bbc.
Context
Alessia Russo, recently integrated into the Arsenal squad, is expected to bring added offensive value. Despite a reinforced squad, the lack of goals has been a recurring problem, and its role could be decisive in relaunching the Gunners in the race for the Women's Super League title.
Why it matters
Arsenal are going through a tricky period in the Women's Super League, falling significantly behind Manchester City. The ability to score is crucial to maintaining their title ambitions, especially against rivals such as Chelsea. The Gunners must improve their offensive efficiency to avoid further disillusionment this season.
Key points
- WSL: Why are Arsenal struggling so much to score this time.
- Already left behind at the top of the Women's Super League, Arsenal is facing an offensive crisis which compromises its title chances.
- Women's Super League: Why are Arsenal struggling to score goals? - BBC Sport.
After five days of the Women's Super League, Arsenal must face a worrying reality: their inability to transform their numerous chances into goals. Saddled with a run of mixed results and seven points behind leaders Manchester City, the Gunners know that any defeat to rivals Chelsea this weekend would significantly complicate their title fight.
Arsenal's start to the season has been marked by lackluster offensive performances, illustrated by draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, the latter meeting requiring an equalizer in stoppage time. Despite a clear domination in possession and the number of chances created, finishing remains a crucial problem for the team coached by Renee Slegers. The latter points to a lack of precision in decision-making and efficiency in the zone of truth, details which make all the difference at high level.
Arsenal, however, strengthened their offensive sector this summer with the arrival of Germans Lisa Baum and Selina Cerci, while Beth Mead, who left for Manchester City, left a void to fill. The rich offensive palette also includes Chloe Kelly, Olivia Smith, Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord, and the hope of the soon return of Michelle Agyemang. However, despite this variety of options, the Gunners have only scored two goals in three league games, with a total of 56 shots attempted, which reflects a notable inefficiency.
Image
A major question mark in tactical management remains the position of Alessia Russo, the club's top scorer last season as striker number 9. Since the start of the season, she has frequently been repositioned as playmaker, a role in which she creates more chances but scores far fewer. This reorientation has not yet paid off, Russo having only found the net three times in all competitions, despite notable offensive activity.
Deciphering this situation also reveals a lack of effective combinations between Russo and his attacking partner Stina Blackstenius, when Russo plays in the middle. The desire to double the offensive threat in the area, in particular by the simultaneous alignment of two attackers, testifies to a tactical search for adaptation, but it remains urgent to find a formula which makes it possible to increase success in front of goal.
With a schedule that includes a crucial duel against Chelsea, a team accustomed to recent success, Arsenal is obliged to rediscover its offensive automatisms. The ability to convert their chances will be decisive in the fight for the championship, while the competition is tighter than ever. The coming weeks will be crucial to prove that the Gunners squad can, despite a slow start, take on the role of serious title contender this season.
The rest
The match against Chelsea will be decisive for Arsenal, who absolutely must obtain a positive result. A defeat could widen the gap with the leaders and complicate their quest for the title. The performances of players like Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly will be closely scrutinized to see if they can turn the tide.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Arsenal struggling to score at the start of the season?
Arsenal struggles to convert their numerous chances into goals, with a lack of precision in decision-making and efficiency in the zone of truth.
Who confirmed Arsenal's attacking difficulties?
Renee Slegers, Arsenal coach, pointed out her team's lack of precision and efficiency.
Why are Arsenal behind Manchester City?
Arsenal have racked up a string of mixed results and are seven points behind leaders Manchester City after five rounds
.
Who are Arsenal's new offensive signings?
Arsenal has strengthened its offensive sector with the arrival of Germans Lisa Baum and Selina Cerci.
What tactical changes could help Arsenal score more?
A major question mark remains the management of Alessia Russo's position, which could influence the team's offensive efficiency.