Defeat by Chelsea has increased the pressure on Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall and his players’ resilience may only have given him a short lifeline.
Having been 2-0 down at Emirates Stadium, with scrutiny on Eidevall already dialled up, Arsenal responded to halve the deficit to 2-1, but ultimately fell short in their pursuit of a comeback.
With results continuing to disappoint, all eyes are on Eidevall and this was a significant final blow in a week which also included defeat by Bayern Munich and a goalless draw with Everton.
When asked if he felt his position was safe, Eidevall said: “I gave absolutely everything today in preparation for this game. You can see the players gave absolutely everything on the pitch.
“That’s the part you can control as a coach. It’s just focusing on the next match and I just need to focus on the things I can control.”
‘We are really hurting’
There were no banners or chants calling for Eidevall to be sacked, but the tension at the Emirates was palpable.
Fans were questioning his position as they entered the stadium, with their thumping 5-2 defeat by Bayern Munich on Wednesday deemed “the last straw”.
That followed an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Everton, while this latest defeat by Chelsea leaves them four points off the Women’s Super League title race with only four games played.
A sprinkling of boos greeted Chelsea’s second goal in the 16th minute, but Eidevall asked the fanbase to believe in the club the way his players do.
“They should see the players and how incredibly hard they work. How much heart they have, how much character they have for the club,” he said.
“That, I hope, gives supporters belief. I fully understand that people are disappointed when we don’t win football matches and we are also really disappointed.
“We are really hurting, I’m hurting, the players are hurting. We want to do that better so I fully understand that in that moment.
“Just as you’re allowed to show emotions when we win, you’re allowed to show emotions when we lose. They invest everything. I totally understand their frustration when we don’t win football matches.”
Eidevall’s job does not appear to be under imminent danger. He did not go on the defence in his post-match media conference, instead responding calmly to questions and thanking reporters as he left the room.
Perhaps he is buoyed by his side’s fight against Chelsea, albeit in defeat – but he will have been aware of who was in the stands watching.
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu was among those in attendance, alongside non-executive director Tim Lewis and former quadruple-winning coach Vic Akers.
They would have arrived in hope of a turnaround in fortunes, but left having seen Arsenal fall four points behind in their early title pursuit.
“It certainly doesn’t help with league-winning ambitions. But it doesn’t change the perspective that you need to go game by game,” added Eidevall.
“You need to do your absolute best in every single game, but there is no point in hiding away from reality in saying it’s a bad start to the season.”
What are the recuring problems?
Results are one thing leading to criticism but there are other factors that have contributed to a growing sense of pressure on Eidevall.
He is now in his fourth season in charge and while Manchester City and Chelsea charge on, Arsenal have struggled to keep up, winning just two Women’s League Cups under Eidevall – not the silverware they quietly prioritise.
The Swedish boss has been backed in the transfer window with high-profile moves for forwards Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius and Mariona Caldentey and yet this season their goals tally (four) remains their worst at this stage in the WSL since 2016.
The departure of Netherlands international Vivianne Miedema, who appeared to have a breakdown in relationship with Eidevall, added to the discontent among the fanbase.
The club felt it was time for a new chapter, to avoid further disruption in the dressing room. That was a strong statement of support from Arsenal, who had already agreed a three-year deal with Eidevall in October 2023 after their early exit from the Women’s Champions League – another controversial decision at the time.
But perhaps the biggest frustration for fans is that Arsenal appear to be making the same mistakes.
They allowed Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore to creep into the six-yard area unmarked when she headed in their second goal, having conceded three goals from set-pieces against Bayern Munich just three days earlier.
“It’s really disappointing. We got off to a really poor start and have conceded four goals from crosses now in two games, which isn’t sustainable,” said Eidevall.
“It’s maybe particularly frustrating because it’s not how the pattern looks in the game – but of course you’re playing against a top team and that’s enough.
“The players showed incredible character and heart to get back from a difficult start and impose our way of playing, but unfortunately we were on the wrong side of those inches.”
‘Jonas is on the brink’ – what BBC readers said
Chris: “I hate to say it, but Jonas is on the brink. From a team that took Chelsea to the last day two seasons ago, the slide over that short time has been clear. The club have backed him with transfers, too. Seems only a matter of time.”
Rob: “The manager might change but things stay the same. Man City and Arsenal have always played the prettier football but Chelsea are tougher and more willing to dig in.”
Nikki: “Time for Arsenal to ditch Eidevall and bring in Casey Stoney.”
Sam: “Arsenal have themselves to blame for lack of potency in front of goal and the fact that they have not replaced Viviane Miedema during the summer window tells everything you need to know about Arsenal this season.”