If the mood among fans is any indication, Jonas Eidevall’s future at Arsenal appears precarious, following a defeat to Chelsea where two goals in 12 minutes left the Gunners with a significant uphill battle at the Emirates. With four games played, Arsenal are already four points behind the reigning champions, who have an additional game to play, having accumulated just five points so far. Adding to their woes, they suffered a demoralizing 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League midweek, preceded by a lackluster 0-0 draw with Everton. For a team aspiring to challenge for titles, this performance is being seen as inadequate.
The home team might take some solace in their second-half performance, which was cheered on by a tense crowd of 45,860, but the damage was already done. Their lackluster and chaotic start served as a microcosm of their season thus far. Eidevall has often reiterated that “pressure is not just a privilege, it’s a necessity,” but the pressure he’s facing now is far from ideal.
Arsenal’s Swedish manager had extensively discussed their work on defending set pieces in his pre-match BBC interview, fully aware of Chelsea’s threat in this area. Ironically, Chelsea took the lead within four minutes via a corner. Lotte Wubben-Moy and Alessia Russo combined to clear the ball, only for Millie Bright to head it towards Mayra Ramírez, who, with her back to goal, delicately looped the ball over her head and into the net. The Chelsea fans’ celebration was delayed, as the ball took its time settling in the net. Ramírez’s celebration, complete with Sjoeke Nüsken sliding between her legs, mirrored Chelsea’s swaggering performance.
Chelsea’s second goal saw Lauren James deliver a cross from the byline to the back post, where an unmarked Sandy Baltimore headed in, with Arsenal defenders notably absent. The defensive frailties exposed in the midweek defeat to Bayern were on full display again. While Chelsea have yet to face a significant defensive test, Arsenal have struggled to break down low-block teams, but here they had more space to operate.
Arsenal nearly reduced the deficit in the 36th minute, but Leah Williamson’s sidefooted effort went wide after Katie McCabe’s corner missed Russo and Wubben-Moy. They did manage to pull one back before halftime, with Caitlin Foord evading a weak Lucy Bronze challenge and curving the ball into the far corner from a tight angle. The home side looked more cohesive in the second half, but the bar had been set low. Despite efforts, they couldn’t find the equalizer.
The introduction of Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius had an immediate impact, but an overhit pass and a subsequent defensive clearance thwarted their chances. Blackstenius hit the crossbar in the closing minutes, but it was Chelsea’s game to lose, with the Blues content to defend against a team struggling to break down low blocks.
What lies ahead for Eidevall and Arsenal? They host Norwegian side Vålerenga at the Emirates on Wednesday. There’s little time for reflection, but they must make the time.
