MY ACCOUNT
Jonas Eidevall expressed his pride in Arsenal after they fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Wolfsburg in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final.
The hosts went ahead through Ewa Pajor’s 19th-minute finish and added another five minutes later when Arsenal tried to play it out from the back.
Rafaelle Souza’s pass was too far in front of Jen Beattie and Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir nipped in to beat Manuela Zinsberger.
But a header from Rafaelle just before the break reduced the deficit and Stina Blackstenius’ equaliser on 69 minutes means the sides are level heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on May 1.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Eidevall reflected on how felt when his team went 2-0 down.
He said: “You have to remain process-orientated. I think we have an identity in the way we want to play and we want to play to our strengths.
“We gave away the ball very cheaply for the second goal. But it’s also something we want to be good at, to play out from the back, to be controlling, to play in good positions.
“If it’s on, we need to be brave and fearless to play. Just because you make one mistake, you can’t change that.
“So I thought that was really important, sticking to our identity, and the players were so good at that.
“They were completely fearless and I admire that and am so proud of them.”
The Gunners boss, 40, added: “I think it’s really important to remain composed. It’s only half-time [in the tie].
“The only thing that was important was to get the result. We have everything to play for and to decide this game in London.”
With 46,000 tickets already snapped up for the return leg, Eidevall urged more fans to make it a night to remember.
He said: “If we can fill the Emirates, if we get behind the team from the first second, it’s going to make a difference.
“The atmosphere at the Emirates has been amazing this season, so let’s create another memorable game.”
