Jonas Eidevall stresses importance of Arsenal's unbeaten WSL record vs Chelsea despite late draw

Jonas Eidevall has emphasised the importance of his side remaining unbeaten against Chelsea in the WSL since he took charge of the club in the summer of 2021, despite conceding a late equaliser to deny them all three points at the Emirates on Sunday.

Sam Kerr netted in the 89th minute to rescue a 1-1 draw in a game that Arsenal dominate for large spells. Lina Hurtig and Caitlin Foord both saw good chances go begging, while Zera Musovic was forced into a number of routine saves.

The result means Chelsea remain three points clear at the league summit as they bid to win their fourth successive WSL title - but the Gunners do have a game in hand.

The north London outfit have now only beaten Chelsea once in their last eight WSL meetings, but have won one and drawn two since Eidevall took the reins at the beginning of last season. The only time the Blues have gotten the better of Eidevall's Arsenal was a 2-0 victory in the 2022 FA Cup semi-finals.

Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-2 at the Emirates in Eidevall's first WSL match in charge in September 2021, before the pair played out a 0-0 draw the following February.

"When you see our performance today against Chelsea I think it's a strong performance," Eidevall said. "I know I was asked about the record before the game - someone said something about seven [WSL matches between the two sides, with Arsenal winning just once].

"But for me I see we've played against them three times in the WSL since I came and have been the head coach, we're undefeated in the WSL against Chelsea. I think that is strong when you see the last five years in the league. I don't know many other teams that have played them three times in the league and are undefeated.

"I think from our perspective it's strong and I think in each one of those games we could have won the game. Those performances and the way we are developing gives me a lot of confidence and also hope for the future."