Why Arsenal are struggling to find the net in the WSL

Arsenal's women's team travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face rivals Chelsea, aware that a defeat could seriously damage their WSL title hopes just four weeks into the season. The Gunners already trail leaders Manchester City by seven points, despite having a game in hand.

Back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United have highlighted the team's early-season scoring struggles. This is not a new issue for the club, which has gone seven years without a WSL title, despite winning the Women's Champions League and Women's Champions Cup during that stretch.

Having invested in the squad over the transfer window, Arsenal added German pair Lisa Baum and Selina Cerci to their attacking options, though England winger Beth Mead departed for Manchester City. Manager Renee Slegers still has a deep pool of attacking talent to choose from, including Chloe Kelly, Olivia Smith, Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord.

Despite this, Arsenal have managed just two goals from 56 shots across their first three WSL games. A last-gasp 95th-minute goal secured a draw against Manchester United, while a 93rd-minute penalty was needed to beat HB Koge in the Champions League. Against Crystal Palace, the team held 79% possession but were held to a scoreless draw.

Slegers has pointed to issues with decision-making and technical execution in the final third. Notably, England forward Alessia Russo, who scored 13 WSL goals last season, has been deployed in a number 10 role this season and has yet to score despite 11 shots on goal.