The most worrying thing for Arsenal is how avoidable this was. Last season, tiredness, focus on the Champions League and an inspired Villa display all played a part in that defeat.But on Saturday it felt self-inflicted. Arsenal led after 10 minutes but ceded the tempo as the game progressed. And just as they seemed to have seen out a narrow win, they gave up the victory to set-pieces.A soft free-kick outside the box led to Lynn Wilms drawing a good save from Daphne van Domselaar. And Arsenal did not defend the resulting corner, allowing Lucy Parker to bundle home.Any side considered serious title contenders should not be dropping points in that manner. It is hard to imagine Chelsea doing so.”Chelsea dominate this WSL because of those games that they are able to finish,” former Arsenal striker Ian Wright told Sky Sports.”Chelsea don’t lose that game, Chelsea don’t draw that game – Chelsea win that game.”Responsibility for the poor second half from Arsenal must be split between the players and the manager.Arsenal dominated possession, had 19 shots and could have been out of sight in the first half.But they went nearly 35 minutes in the second half without a shot on target, until Sabrina D’Angelo saved well from Katie McCabe. This follows the draw at Manchester United where they only had one shot on target.After scoring nine goals in their first two league matches, it is a worrying drop-off.”The quality we have in the team, I think we didn’t bring in the final third today,” Slegers said.”I believe in the team and the players. It was just not coming out today. We’ll have to review that. It’s frustrating if you get an early goal. We need a second goal.”
Source link
Arsenal: With four points dropped, have the Gunners blown their WSL title bid already?
