Arsenal forward Danielle van De Donk was disappointed with the draw against Bristol City, insisting the side deserved more than what they got on Sunday.

Arsenal’s indifferent start to the new Women’s Super League season continued after labouring to a draw against Bristol City.

The visitors took the lead when 17-year-old Lauren Hemp scored from outside the penalty area. Van De Donk then equalised early on in the second half, but Arsenal were unable to convert their chances and get the three points.

The Dutch forward was disappointed with the result, as it didn’t show Arsenal’s best qualities. “We are better than them, but we didn’t really show it,” she told the WSL website.

“We were quite slow in possession and if we could have got ourselves level a bit earlier we could have won. We weren’t sharp enough and we need to be at a higher level if we are going to challenge this year. We have been waiting for that for three games, so I’m hoping it is going to come out in the next game, because it is taking a bit too long now.”

The result leaves Arsenal five points behind Chelsea and Manchester City, who have both won their opening three fixtures. One of those wins for City came against Arsenal, as they ran out 5-2 winners at the Academy Stadium. Despite their impressive starts, though, van De Donk feels Arsenal can still compete.

“Chelsea and Manchester City look fit and sharp and their organisation is brilliant. But we have great players and a great team and I have complete faith and trust in them. We just need everything to be a little better and come together and we can challenge them.

“I’m happy that I scored and we got back in it, but with the chances in the last 15 or 20 minutes we could have scored one more.”

Arsenal have won just one of their opening three games. They required two late goals to edge out a 3-2 win over Birmingham on the opening day, before losing to City and drawing with Bristol. They will now take a brief break to play London Bees in the Continental Cup in mid-week, before travelling to Everton at the end of the month.