Eidevall apologises to Arsenal faithful after defeat to Liverpool

Boss Jonas Eidevall apologised to the Arsenal faithful after Liverpool claimed a 1-0 win in front of a record Women's Super League crowd at the Emirates. 

The defeat came three weeks after the Gunners crashed out of the Champions League at the qualification stage when they were beaten on penalties by Paris FC. 

And Eidevall, in this third season in charge of the North Londoners, was quick to say sorry to the home support. 

He said: "It's a big disappointment, Champions League exit or not. It's really disappointing to lose a game, especially at home, especially with 54,000 fans to cheer us on. 

"How they supported the team all the way to the final whistle was incredible and I want to thank every one of them for that. I want to say sorry we didn't perform better but please give us more chances and come back." 

Alessia Russo endured a disappointing league debut for her new club after switching from United in the summer. 

But Eidevall, 40, said: "I think she worked very hard. She was really hard-pressed at times — they were really strong centrally — so there was not a lot of time and space for any player. 

"She had to fight hard for all inches around her."

Miri Taylor's goal secured the points for Liverpool, who had not won away in the WSL since since January 2020. 

It came in the 48th minute when new signing Maria Hobinger burst forward on the right and found Missy Bo Kearns for a pull-back that Taylor calmly slotted past Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger. 

Matt Beard's side soaked up plenty of pressure after that, including 10 minutes of added time. 

Liverpool's success was all the more impressive given a number of players — including new signing Sophie Roman Haug — were out through injury or illness. 

Beard said: "It has been a tough week and it showed the togetherness of the group. It was a great end to it. 

"People might say we were lucky but we weren't. We put bodies on the line and made great saves when we needed to."