“That's the one piece that's missing at the moment, to be clinical and be calm and composed in and around the penalty box.” Renee Slegers spoke, and Arsenal fans agreed. 

Three games against Manchester United have brought no goals from her side this season. Only Anneke Borbe’s error saw United open their account against the Gunners, Elisabeth Terland finding the net to send her side to their first League Cup final.

Arsenal have to find answers, and fast. But without Olivia Smith, arguably their best player on Wednesday night before her second yellow card, how will they find a way past Chelsea this weekend? Questions are mounting, and no one more than Slegers will be looking for answers.

Her side’s best chances fell early to Frida Maanum- a header too straight saved by Phallon Tullis-Joyce, before a blaze over the crossbar from an ideal position in the penalty area. Smilla Holmberg created well for herself off the bench but couldn’t find the finish, whilst Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo were constantly marked tightly.

Maanum scored in the opening two league games but has netted once in all competitions since. Out wide, Caitlin Foord has one goal to her name, Beth Mead none in the Women’s Super League. Those two have generally not played badly, but the goals are clearly insufficient for a side with Arsenal’s ambitions. 

Russo and Stina Blackstenius have ten league goals between them, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw has 12. The numbers tell something of a story- Arsenal’s number tens have rotated without success, and the wingers have been enterprising without getting their name on the scoresheet. Ultimately, the Gunners’ most talented option in attacking midfield has been playing next to Kim Little in a deeper role.

Slegers will take comfort from the fact that Arsenal created well on Wednesday night, even with ten players. Attacking-wise, it was arguably their best display against Marc Skinner’s side, but again, the goals passed them by. Arsenal gifted United a goal, had a star player sent off, but the blame was rightly not on those two individuals. That speaks volumes.

“I’m sorry” says Renee Slegers as she applauds the fans pic.twitter.com/O3DtxkiA4k

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) January 21, 2026

Where do Arsenal find these goals from? In-game, the Gunners are predictable. Wingers rotate, Blackstenius comes on and Russo drops. Managers and teams don’t seem to be surprised by Slegers’ decisions, in fact, there is almost a defensive blueprint of how to play against her side.

Centre-back Laia Codina asked if she could play upfront in stoppage time, and Slegers nodded her head. The January transfer window is still open. Arsenal are the European Champions.

Due to injuries, Arsenal named eight substitutes last night out of an allocated nine. United, perennially criticised for their lack of investment in their women’s team, named all nine, and were able to bring on the likes of Lea Schuller and Melvine Malard. The Red Devils are a good defensive side, but no goals in 270 minutes against them will raise alarm for the Gunners.

Arsenal are preparing for a big summer rebuild, but they risk falling behind in all competitions as winter turns to spring.