Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall was full of praise for his side’s performance as they overcame a stubborn Everton rear-guard performance to win 3-0 away from home and keep the pressure on leaders Chelsea.
The Gunners were frustrated by Everton’s five-player defence for much of the first half until Caitlin Foord broke the deadlock just before the break, and the North London side then went on to seal the three points with goals from Beth Mead and Jordan Nobbs after the interval.
Eidevall spoke of his pride at how his side dealt with such a defensive Everton side in a game they had to win to keep pace with Chelsea, who beat Tottenham 3-1 earlier in the day.
“The performance was very good, especially towards the end of the first half and basically the whole second half,” said Eidevall.
“I think we were a little bit unlucky in the first half with some margins, I believe we had a goal that probably should have been a goal, and that would have been a little bit easier for us.
“We’re really resistant, and we’re fighting through those moments, so I’m proud of the team.”
“We saw that when they were playing Manchester City, so we sort of expected that low block, but we moved the ball very well, especially in the second half, in order to disorganise them and finding the right moments to go forward.”
Arsenal are now just one point behind Chelsea with just three games to play in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League, and Eidevall is enjoying competing for honours.
“When you look at development and progress, this year we’re in the title race to be champions,” added Eidevall.
“Last season, the team was fighting to get third place in the league, so it’s much more fun to be fighting for the title in the last games and if anyone would have told us that at the start of the season, we would have been taking that so let’s enjoy it.”
The game saw forward Beth Mead notch her 50th league goal and become the league’s all-time leading assist maker as the Gunners scored twice after the break to secure all three points, and the England international was pleased with her side’s performance in the second period.
“I think a few times in the first half, we overcooked it and didn’t set the balls for people,” said Mead.
“Our second-half performance was much better, more the Arsenal way, we were putting passes together, we were tiring out the opposition, and we were a little bit more patient in our play, and I think it showed.
“Hopefully, we can bring that into our games coming up, and fingers crossed that we can continue to get the wins.
Mead provided the assist for Jordan Nobbs, who also brought up her league half-century, and the former Sunderland star expressed her delight at her teammate’s achievement.
“We love Jordan,” added Mead.
“She’s Arsenal through and through, and she’s had a little bit of a tough time this season – the competitiveness in the team has been tough.
“We were super excited, as you could probably tell from the celebrations on Jordan getting her 50, and she’s the ultimate pro.”
To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays FA Women’s Super League coverage visit womenscompetitions.thefa.com
