Arsenal’s struggles in the Women’s Super League continued as a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday extended their winless streak to five matches, marking the longest such run in the club’s WSL history. The result leaves Arsenal with six points from six games, positioned eighth in the league table and nine points behind leaders Manchester City, who have played one fewer match.
Birmingham took the lead early in the second half through Océane Hurtré, who capitalized on a swift counterattack, running from the halfway line and finishing calmly past goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger. Despite Arsenal’s dominance in chances during the first half, including a header from Alessia Russo that struck the woodwork, they were unable to break the deadlock until Olivia Smith’s well-placed strike from outside the area leveled the score in the 66th minute.
Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in defensive transitions, singling out the failure to contain Hurtré’s run as a critical moment. “I don’t think we created enough in the first half,” she said. “Second half is different. There was one player we needed to stop and that was Hurtré. But she came through in a fast break and a counter, we don’t defend that well enough.”
Despite Smith’s equalizer, Arsenal could not convert subsequent opportunities into a winning goal. Birmingham goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley made several key saves, frustrating Arsenal’s attempts and ensuring her side secured a valuable point on the road. Slegers admitted that the team had faced similar scenarios too often this season and emphasized the physical and mental toll such situations impose. “We just need to put ourselves in better positions earlier so that’s not necessary every time because it takes energy from the team having to play those scenarios,” she said. “But yes, the team has been brilliant. The urgency, the willingness, the desire in the second half was really good.”
The draw was met with boos from the home crowd at full time, reflecting growing concerns over the team’s form and Slegers’s position as coach. However, Smith praised the supporters for their continued backing despite the disappointing result. “They always bring out great support, [we’re] so happy to have them here. Again, disappointed not to get the result, must be frustrating for them, but they stay with us and support us.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal face a pivotal north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in their next fixture. Tottenham, currently fourth, begin their weekend campaign with a match against Chelsea. Slegers stressed the importance of moving forward. “The next game is always the next opportunity. It’s good we always keep going and we rise after setbacks,” she said, underlining the need for improved starts to avoid repeatedly having to chase games.