MY ACCOUNT
Jonas Eidevall believes Arsenal can triumph every time they step on the field after extending their winning start to the Women’s Super League season to five games with a 3-1 victory over West Ham.
The Gunners have now won 13 consecutive WSL matches, surpassing the record set by themselves between May and November 2018 and Manchester City from December 2020 to April 2021.
Eidevall’s side were certainly made to work for their latest victory after recovering from going a goal down to eventually prevail.
A rare defensive mix-up saw West Ham go in front through Dagny Brynjarsdottir but substitute Jordan Nobbs equalised before Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum earned them victory,
Eidevall said: “I’m happy with the three points and our performance. We were sloppy and made mistakes but we won the game because we fought our way back in and had really good subs.
“There are lessons all the time but for us it’s to be very comfortable with the way we are playing and time is a very good factor to have on your side when you try to develop.
“I believe we can win every game we go into, it has to start with that belief. We did that when we played Lyon away so if we believe in that game, we can believe in any game. But let’s play one game at a time, every game is tough.”
England international Nobbs provided an immediate impact, levelling the scores just before the break with only her second touch after replacing injured captain Kim Little.
On the 29-year-old’s display, her Swedish boss added: “We’re fortunate to have a player like Jordan in the squad. Once again we see a player that has prepared so well even if they don’t start.
“When they’re called upon they come in with quality and that’s the difference. Jordan is doing it but I also think the three subs in the second half added quality.”
Red Devils stay perfect
Also boasting a flawless start to the WSL season are Manchester United, who eased past Everton with a comfortable 3-0 win.
Nikita Parris, Leah Galton and Hayley Ladd were on target for Marc Skinner’s side to keep them at the summit of the English top flight with five wins, 14 scored and none conceded.
It was the ideal response from the Red Devils following a shock shootout defeat to Championship side Durham in the League Cup last Wednesday.
Skinner said: “The players were magnificent. To everyone, it’s been a tough week as every team has experienced a three-game week. To finish it the way we have I’m so pleased.
“I think we gave up a few opportunities we will reflect on but we have England’s No1 [Mary Earps]. When we need her, she’s magnificent.
“Hayley Ladd has the ability to find the net. A great position to take up where we needed her to be.
“We were covering spaces at the right times, pressing at the right times. I’m really proud of that. We were ruthless when we needed to be.”
In-form United are set for the biggest test of their title credentials yet as they welcome Chelsea to Leigh Sports Village on Sunday before facing Arsenal at the Emirates on November 19.
On the upcoming games against WSL heavyweights, Skinner added: “It’s the only choice we have. We want to pitch ourselves against the best. We know how tough it will be but that’s what we’re here for.
“That’s where we aspire to be and we’ll give everything to try and get the results from them.”
Chelsea keep up the pace
Lauren James scored twice as Chelsea beat Aston Villa 3-1 to stay level on points with the leading pair having played a game more.
Manager Emma Hayes watched from the stands at Kingsmeadow for the first time as she continues her recovery from an emergency hysterectomy.
James scored her first with a tidy finish after 22 minutes but England team-mate Rachel Daly levelled before the break.
The 21-year-old starlet had the Blues back in front just two minutes into the second half with another emphatic strike, before teeing up Sam Kerr to seal the victory.
Spurs hit eight
Tottenham hammered Brighton 8-0 to emphatically pick up their third league win of the season.
Molly Bartrip opened the scoring from long range after just two minutes before Nikola Karczewska stole the ball off Seagulls goalkeeper Megan Walsh to roll in the visitors’ second.
Ashleigh Neville and Drew Spence had Spurs 4-0 up at half-time and the pair both got on the scoresheet again after the break.
Substitute Jessica Naz compounded the hosts’ misery by adding a seventh and eighth to complete a humiliating defeat.
WSL Matchday 6 results in full
Brighton 0-8 Tottenham
Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa
Everton 0-3 Manchester United
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
Reading 2-1 Leicester
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
