Emma Hayes has insisted Friday’s top-of-the-table Women’s Super League meeting with Arsenal will not define the title race, arguing that the outcome is unlikely to be decisive either way. “The twists and turns will go the whole way regardless of outcome,” the Chelsea manager said. “It’s not a game Arsenal need to win. A draw or even a loss in either direction isn’t necessarily defining.”
Arsenal have topped the table since beating Chelsea 3-2 on the opening day, but only sit two points clear with Chelsea holding a game in hand. Both sides have dropped points against clubs outside the traditional top three, prompting caution from Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall. “I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said. “It’s the most important game because it’s the next game. This is about getting out there with an attitude and trying to win the game and not being afraid of losing.”
The rivalry between the managers has been more diplomatic this time, with Hayes praising Eidevall’s impact on the league. “He’s done an amazing job,” she said. “They’re top of the league, he’s a passionate, emotional leader, and shares his ideas in a transparent way. He’s brought a lot to the league.” Eidevall was quick to congratulate Hayes on her OBE, adding: “She has recruited some of the best talent in the world and she makes them work really hard together.”
Eidevall admitted he is trying to temper his touchline behaviour after collecting two yellow cards this season. “I know it’s an important part of my development,” he said. “Sometimes I get carried away with refereeing decisions and I need to stop that. I’m not perfect but I’m working on trying to be.” Arsenal will be without Katie McCabe after her red card against Manchester United, while Chelsea welcome back Ji So-yun after her Asian Cup final defeat with South Korea.
Arsenal have lost to Birmingham and drawn two of their three WSL games since Christmas, but Eidevall pointed to late equalisers against Manchester City and United as signs of resilience. He described the buildup to the late goal at City as “pure, brilliant teamwork” and praised Vivianne Miedema’s pass for Stina Blackstenius’s leveller at United as “a piece of art”. He would not confirm whether the pair would start together against Chelsea, but said: “We have the potential to play Viv and Stina together and that can be a strong connection.”
