|
As boos erupted from the Emirates, Jonas Eidevall's face said it all. After Bayern Munichte's midweek humiliation, the London derby against Chelsea was a game his team couldn't lose.
This defeat, although minor, could have spelled the end of his reign as Arsenal manager. He dropped down the tunnel full-time, knowing that the scrutiny and pressure would only increase from there.
He appears to have lost the support of the fans and although his team showed no shortage of effort, the arguments that the players had with each other after Chelsea's two goals in the first half did not reflect well on the mood in the camp.
Things could have been ugly with Chelsea leading 2-0 within 16 minutes. Arsenal at least got back into the game and probably should have found an equalizer with the chances they created in the second half.
Chelsea, however, were determined to maintain new coach Sonia Bompastor's 100 percent record. Looking on in the stands was her predecessor Emma Hayes, who had numerous clashes with Eidevall during her time as Blues boss. It was similar with Arsenal defender Casey Stoney. If Eidevall were to lose his job, Stoney would undoubtedly be a candidate to replace him.
Chelsea continued their strong start in the WSL with a win away to Arsenal on Saturday
The result at the Emirates Stadium increased the pressure on Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall
Chelsea star Mayra Ramirez (center) opened the scoring in style after just four minutes
After conceding a goal from a number of set-pieces against Bayern Munich in midweek, Eidevall said in his pre-match interview that Arsenal particularly worked on defending them, knowing this was Chelsea's strength. It took them less than four minutes to concede from a corner kick. Arsenal failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Mayra Ramirez, who managed to flick it over her shoulder and into the top right corner. The Chelsea forward showed some creativity but Arsenal's defenders were too slow to react.
The hosts' situation worsened when Sandy Baltimore finished off a fantastic Chelsea move to make it 2-0 in the 16th minute. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd passed the ball to Lauren James, who passed two defenders, then crossed to an unmarked Baltimore and headed it to the back post.
Caitlin Foord almost pulled a goal back for Arsenal when she shot just above the penalty area. However, Foord managed to score before the break and the striker produced a sensational solo effort, dribbling past Lucy Bronze before hitting the far post.
Arsenal started the second half with more momentum but continued to be wasteful in front of goal. Chelsea had a strong appeal for a penalty when James went down in the box following a challenge from Lotte Wubben-Moy, but referee Cheryl Foster ordered play to continue.
Sandy Baltimore (left) made it 2-0 in the 16th minute, ending with a beautiful move by Chelsea
Caitlin Foord scored for the Gunners, but it wasn't enough to prevent another defeat
Eidevall imagined himself talking to his players on the pitch after the final whistle on Saturday
Daphne Van Domselaar was then called into action to stop Aggie Beever-Jones' shot at the near post as Chelsea tried to score a third goal.
Wubben-Moy should have equalized Arsenal but could only header wide before Stina Blackstenius volleyed over the crossbar from close range. Hannah Hampton then pushed away Alessia Russo's volley as Arsenal tried to equalize. It wasn't a comfortable ending for Chelsea, but they showed determination to survive the match.
Chelsea's away game, packed with fans, was celebrated wildly at full-time, in contrast to the dismal run of form in the home stands. There is no word on whether Eidevall will return here for Arsenal's Champions League match against Valerenga next week.
