After Arsenal Women’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Jonas Eidevall took responsibility for the loss in his post-match press conference.

“It had nothing to do with the game starting late, or the referee’s decisions. I take full accountability for our performance,” said Eidevall.

“To be that poor in our defensive organisation then we cannot expect to win the game.”

Asked whether the game was similar to Arsenal’s 4-1 win over the Blues in December, Eidevall said: “I can see that point. Obviously a home crowd can create momentum on a goal and so on. Do they capitalise on that momentum, I think they do at times in the first half and they do that well.”

Reflecting on the kit clash that forced kick-off to be delayed by 30 minutes, Eidevall revealed: “It was a clash in the colour of the socks and it came to our attention very, very late. We go out and we get told we cannot go out with the kit we have and we have to adapt. I think this is a first and we had to make the best of the situation. 

“But I need to be very clear that it was the same for both teams and i will not make any excuses, that would be ridiculous. It is the same for both teams. I was not involved in the process of revolving, other people do that. Eventually we got kit that enabled the game to go ahead.”

From Arsenal:- Arsenal had white socks prepared- The officials identified a clash with Chelsea’s socks and indicated Arsenal must change theirs- Arsenal sourced socks and replaced them

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) March 15, 2024

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said “I was delighted! I’m not going to throw the kit man under the bus… he’s a new guy into the position, please don’t slaughter him. It happens.”

“That poor guy is going to be going home tonight feeling pretty crap, and I’m not going to pile in on him.”

Chelsea are now 6 points clear of third-placed Arsenal at the top of the WSL table, but Eidevall was not going to be drawn on whether his side’s hopes of a title were over. “My energy and focus has been on this game, not on the future games.”

Emma Hayes: “I love seeing the away section. I love the whole rivalries that come with the women’s game. It was fun to see the Arsenal section sold out.” pic.twitter.com/278ExQBI2n

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) March 15, 2024