Arsenal boss didn’t want ‘lesser version’ of injured England captain

England captain Leah Williamson’s absence has had a significant impact on Arsenal’s performance, according to Gunners manager Jonas Eidevall. Williamson, who is a 26-year-old defender, suffered a serious knee injury in April, which caused her to miss the end of the previous season as well as the start of the current one. Arsenal has also faced the absence of other key players like Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema due to ACL injuries, making the situation even more challenging. Eidevall emphasizes the difficulty of finding direct replacements for these talented players in the transfer market. He highlights the uniqueness and quality of players like Williamson and the importance of adapting the team’s playing style to maximize their abilities. Meanwhile, Arsenal seeks their first victory in the Women’s Super League this season as they face Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

In a positive development, Beth Mead, who has not played since November of last year, has recently returned to full training. Mead played a crucial role in England’s Euro 2022 triumph and was recognized as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She has scored 57 goals in 148 games for Arsenal across all competitions since 2017. Eidevall expresses his admiration for Mead’s skills and highlights the challenge of finding substitutes who are equally as talented.

Arsenal’s season began with disappointment as they were eliminated from the Champions League qualifying stages by Paris FC. The team faced this challenge only 17 days after the World Cup final in Sydney, which left little time for rest and preparation. Eidevall acknowledges the limited opportunities for experimentation and improvement due to the demanding schedule. Despite not being a finished product, he remains optimistic about the team’s future development.

Arsenal return to the Emirates

Arsenal enjoys strong support from their fans, as demonstrated by the record-breaking attendance of 54,115 at their match against Liverpool on the opening day of the season. The team aims to continue playing more women’s games at the Emirates Stadium and potentially move away from their current home at Meadow Park, which has a capacity of 4,500. Eidevall shares the long-term plan of consolidating all games at the larger stadium, allowing for consecutive matches and consistent attendance. He confidently anticipates positive improvements in the team’s performance and the growth of the club.

Eidevall recently signed a three-year extension with Arsenal, expressing his belief in the club’s vision and future prospects. He highlights the enhancements made to various departments within the club, such as recruitment and nutrition, as positive steps towards success. Eidevall is excited to be a part of these developments and is dedicated to leading the team towards a brighter future.