Villa’s late equaliser underlines Arsenal women’s attacking concerns

Arsenal Women’s recent 1-1 draw against Aston Villa has sparked discussions regarding their attacking capabilities, especially following a late equaliser that felt like a missed opportunity for the Gunners. The result has left Arsenal in fifth position in the Women’s Super League (WSL) table, trailing Chelsea by four points. It highlights a worrying trend for Arsenal, who have appeared inconsistent in attack over their last two matches.

### The Context of the Draw

In the match against Aston Villa, Arsenal demonstrated moments of brilliance, but ultimately fell short in converting opportunities into goals. This draws attention to an overarching question: Are Arsenal’s attacking schemes starting to be figured out by their opponents? Teams in the WSL have shown a knack for analysing their opponents’ strategies, leading to more robust defensive structures against the Gunners.

### Lack of Creativity and Energy

One of the more perplexing aspects of the match was Arsenal’s lack of sharpness, especially in the second half. Given that the players have had a full pre-season and are currently playing just one game a week, fatigue shouldn’t be a rationale for their lethargy. The side appeared to struggle with creativity and the execution of their final balls. Observers have noted the absence of Leah Williamson’s influence, particularly her progressive passing ability, which is crucial in breaking down tightly packed defences.

However, credit must be given to Katie Reid, who has stepped in during Williamson’s absence. At just 19 years old, Reid has showcased her potential with solid performances. Her ability to provide security in passing, combined with her pace and strength in defence, is a silver lining amidst Arsenal’s attacking woes.

### Upcoming Fixtures and Challenges

Arsenal is set to face an intense schedule in the coming weeks, with four matches in just 12 days that include both league and Champions League commitments. Their upcoming fixtures against Manchester City, Lyon, Brighton, and Benfica will test the squad’s depth and resilience. With the pressure mounting, it becomes increasingly vital for Arsenal to find their rhythm in front of goal.

Moreover, the inclusion of players who have seen limited action, such as Wubben-Moy, Codina, Nighswonger, and Cooney-Cross, may provide them the fresh legs necessary to reinvigorate the squad. In Champions League matches, they can utilize a larger squad of 23 compared to the league’s 20, which opens up opportunities for younger talents like Harwood.

### Tactical Adjustments for Improvement

An essential consideration moving forward is whether head coach Renée Slegers should make tactical adjustments within the double pivot to foster more creativity in midfield. The team’s defensive unit remains solid, indicating that changes to the back line are unnecessary. However, mixing up central midfield options could yield different results.

Cooney-Cross could be an intriguing addition to the midfield, offering a more aggressive and risk-oriented play style compared to traditional options like Kim Little or Caldentey. Similarly, Jenna Nighswonger’s left-footed abilities could open up new passing avenues, a feature that has been notably missing in recent matches.

Utilizing Codina or Wubben-Moy in a defensive midfield role could also provide an unexpected dynamic to the team’s play, potentially enhancing creativity in attacking transitions.

### The Attributes Available to Slegers

Arsenal boasts a wealth of talent in its attacking line, with eight players providing diverse skill sets. Leveraging different player combinations and changing formations depending on the opposition could yield better results when attempting to penetrate solid defences. Despite being unbeaten, the urgency for improvement is paramount, particularly with the significant clash against Chelsea approaching.

### Final Thoughts

While Arsenal remains a strong contender in the WSL, the late equaliser from Aston Villa has illuminated critical concerns regarding their attacking strategies. A combination of creativity stagnation and missed finishing chances has left the Gunners vulnerable, and the upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining their trajectory this season.

As they prepare for a crucial series of matches, Arsenal must hone their attack. Building on their strong defensive foundation, a revitalized offensive approach—potentially through midfield shifts and strategic player selections—could make the difference between mediocrity and a title challenge.

If Arsenal can rectify these shortcomings and improve their attacking fluidity, they stand a good chance of not only climbing the table but establishing themselves as serious title challengers when they face Chelsea in what could be a defining match on November 8.

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