Eidevall expects ‘tough challenge’ for Arsenal from Everton despite their heavy loss to Chelsea in the league
JONAS EIDEVALL says Arsenal must ‘not be fooled’ by Everton’s hefty loss to Chelsea with the head coach expecting a Toffees bounce back.
The Gunners visit Merseyside later in the hope of securing a win that would move them three points behind leaders Manchester United.
While their opponents’ last clash saw them thrashed 7-0 by the Blues, Eidevall is expecting a tricky test from Brian Sorensen’s side.
The Arsenal chief, 40, said: “I tend to look at the way that the teams play.
“You can see that Everton as a team has a lot of good qualities and also some really good players.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge for us and we can’t be fooled by that result.
“We have prepared well for the game and we need to continue to do that.”
Of the title chances for his third-placed side Eidevall added: “There are three games left.
“But it’s one game at a time. It’s really important to keep the focus on that to not look too far ahead.
“We’re going to do our very best and if we do, we’re going to give ourselves the best chance to finish as high as possible.”
Arsenal are currently level on points with Man City who are fourth but could move three points with a win on the road.
The Gunners will be without the services of Lina Hurtig.
Their squad has been boosted by Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley returning to fitness after seeing their ranks ravaged by injuries this season.
The forward and defender could be in contention having recovered from hamstring concerns.
And Foord featured as a second half substitute during Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat of Brighton earlier this month.
The Gunners’ Everton trip comes three days after a record-breaking Wembley turnout for Chelsea’s and Man United’s Women’s FA Cup final clash.
And Eidevall’s side could be set for more big crowds of their own at the Emirates with the team playing five WSL fixtures there next term.
Eidevall added: “With performances on the pitch, I think it’s the same with attendances in the stadium.
“I don’t think you can ever relax and learn to think that things will be taken care of by themselves.
“The reason why we have had so many good crowds and attendances this season is a combination of having a team that are a great advertisement and main attraction.
“But it’s also the whole club with a lot of people working behind the scenes with advertising reaching out.”