5 talking points as Arsenal lose WSL ground after derby stalemate with West Ham
Arsenal failed to maintain pace in the WSL title race after they were frustrated with a 0-0 draw at West Ham.
The championship contenders dominated possession for long periods but failed to consistently break down a well organised West Ham defence. And whenever they did, they found Hammers keeper Mackenzie Arnold in inspired form, with the hosts taking their first ever point against Arsenal in the WSL.
West Ham had back-to-back cup wins coming into the London derby and had a big penalty appeal turned down before half-time before focusing on protecting their point after the break. Arsenal created the better chances and just about shaded the contest but failed to find the crucial breakthrough. The result means they now sit five points behind leaders Chelsea, who are the big winners of the weekend and are only clear of Man City on goal difference.
Here are five talking points as the Gunners missed their chance to move up to third.
Arsenal fail to show they have goals throughout the team
After failing to bring in Alessia Russo on transfer deadline day, Jonas Eidevall talked pre-match about finding goals "as a collective" to cover for the injured Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead. At half-time, his team were only kept at bay by a brilliant performance from Mackenzie Arnold, with good chances falling to Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord and Lina Hurtig.
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But the frustration continued after the break with Maanum missing the best chances, one in particular with just under 15 minutes left, a poor finish on the volley where she should have hit the target. Eidevall knows that there is enough quality in this squad to fight for the league, despite the horrendously unfortunate injuries suffered by Mead and Miedema.
But he will need players to step up and provide the goals when needed. Unfortunately for Arsenal despite periods of intense pressure, no one was able to do so against a determined West Ham side.
Risa Shimizu of West Ham United is challenged by Lina Hurtig (2023 Getty Images)Blackstenius unable to stake her claim
Although denied by Jonas Eidevall in his press conference on Friday, the rumours of Stina Blackstenius being offered in the deal to sign Russo meant the spotlight was always going to be shining on Arsenal's centre forward. If the Gunners are to win the title, she will need to score goals between now and June.
In truth, it wasn't a dream night for Blackstenius. The Swede fired over at 0-0 when well placed on 25 minutes after good work from Lina Hurtig, which set the tone for her night before she was withdrawn on 78 minutes.
It was the finish of a forward low on confidence, leaning back and off balance, as Blackstenius failed to hit the target from close range. She did force a super save from Arnold on 65 minutes, but overall, it wasn't the sort of performance that will reassure fans who wanted Arsenal to bring in a new forward.
West Ham's Arnold gives the latest WSL goalkeeping masterclass
In a weekend of strong goalkeeping performances in the WSL, with Ellie Roebuck and Janina Leitzig shining during Leicester's clash with Man City yesterday, the best was perhaps saved until last as Mackenzie Arnold produced an excellent display between the sticks for West Ham. The Aussie shotstopper set the tone with a super early save after Frida Maanum took a heavy touch just two minutes in and seemed to grow in confidence from that moment.
Arnold was always quick off her line and alert to any through balls in behind the West Ham defence, sweeping up on a number of occasions. West Ham have improved defensively in recent months, highlighted during their Conti Cup run built on clean sheets.
And with Arnold in this type of form you can see how they will keep clean sheets. The 28-year-old dealt with everything thrown at her, including Leah Williamson's late curling effort, crucial to securing a point, deservedly winning player of the match.
Konchesky's willingness to mix up game plan keeps things tight
West Ham often look capable of ruffling the feathers of the top teams and tonight was no different. Manager Paul Konchesky spoke before the game of still wanting West Ham to play on the front foot and the way Viviane Asseyi pressed the Arsenal backline showed their intent.
The Hammers were direct when needed but also showed the ability on the ball with some well worked counter-attacks early on, when Arsenal's midfield had overcommitted. They did have chances at 0-0 but weren't able to force Manuela Zinsberger into a truly brilliant save.
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The hosts were also possibly unfortunate when Dagny Brynjarsdottir went down under a challenge from Rafaelle Souza inside the penalty area during the first half, but appeals were waved away.
Unlike sides at a similar level in the WSL such as Aston Villa and Everton, before tonight West Ham were yet to take any points off the top four this season. However, if Konchesky ensures they remain awkward opposition for the leagues' bit hitters, tonight could be a sign of things to come.
Gunners fail to get confidence boost ahead of tough looking run
A London derby will always be important to the Arsenal faithful. But they particularly needed a result tonight, not only to keep pace with Chelsea who beat Spurs earlier in the day, but also to build momentum ahead of a tricky run of games.
The Gunners have a double header against Man City next week, firstly in the Conti Cup semi-final in midweek before a crucial WSL clash at the Academy Stadium next Saturday. Arsenal then travel to Chelsea in the Women's FA Cup fifth-round after the international break, before resuming their league campaign against a Liverpool side who have already shown they get cause an upset this season.
With such a tough run ahead, Eidevall will have known the importance of a win tonight and unfortunately his team failed to deliver. With Chelsea's win earlier it also means that even if Arsenal win their remaining game in hand, the will be chasing the Blues rather than level on points.
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