A tough West Ham defeat gave Arsenal back-to-back wins across all competitions following the resignation of Jonas Eidevall. It took the team 71 minutes before finding the back of the net with a penalty from Mariona Caldentey before Rosa Kafaji finished the game with a first touch finish.
Following the exit of Eidevall, it was unlikely to see dramatic changes in Arsenal’s game. After nearly four years at the club, the squad has been built on his managerial style and coaching tactics. However, his resignation does not mean Arsenal’s recent problem is solved. Their interim manager Renée Slegers has not had much time to make huge changes.
At the same fixture last season, the home side walked away with the 2-1 win, adding to the defeats Arsenal already faced against Tottenham and Liverpool which proved to be damaging to their title race. Teams outside the top three had figured out Arsenal’s playing style, allowing them to dominate play while the opposition kept a narrow low block.
This was how the Hammers prepared to play on Sunday, happy for Arsenal to dominate possession and then threaten on the breakthrough.
Both sides made a few changes for the London derby. For the home side, Rehanne Skinner made two changes following the squads 1-1 draw against Everton last weekend. Emma Harries and Camilla Sáez dropped to the bench making way for Shannon Cooke and Seraina Piubel. Leah Williamson and Beth Mead dropped to the bench for the visitors with Steph Catley and Frida Maanum taking their places on the pitch.
Both managers were asked about their squads’ performances.
Slegers said, “It was very good of the team to come out like this and get the three points.”
Skinner said, “That performance today, defensively has been our best by far.”
The Hammers worked well defensively, limiting the threat of Arsenal so much that it took 20 minutes until they were able to get a shot on target, Alessia Russo sending the ball wide of the post. Lia Wälti had the last chance of the half, switching to her left foot and sending it goalwards just a little too close to Szemik.
“We had a hard time finding a solution in the first half” – Slegers.
Just before the hour mark, the Gunners introduced Cooney-Cross, Mead, Kafaji and Blackstenius which proved to be the difference. Blackstenius was brought down inside the box by Amber Tysiak, awarding Arsenal a penalty which was converted by Caldentey.
The Hammers had a couple chances on goal, their substitutes, Harries and Brynjarsdóttir, both desperately searching for the equaliser.
However, the disappointment didn’t stop there, Blackstenius sent the ball towards Kafaji who put it away with just one touch, adding to the home sides frustration.
“I think collectively, the team front to back defensively were outstanding. Made it really, really difficult, limited Arsena’ls chances. ”- Skinner
The win means Arsenal sit fifth in the table, remaining five points behind Manchester City at the top of the table.
