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      Jonas Eidevall hopes Arsenal can get job done against Bayern Munich and Chelsea after Everton clinch draw

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      JONAS EIDEVALL wants Arsenal to move past the disappointment of their 0-0 draw with Everton, with clashes with Bayern Munich and Chelsea to come.The Toffees withstood a barrage before thwarting the Gunners’ attempts to claim their first win in the league at the Emirates on Sunday. Arsenal were frustrated by Everton with the Toffees putting in a gritty defensive shift at the EmiratesCredit: GettyCourtney Brosnan pulled off several saves as the hosts piled on the pressure against EvertonCredit: GettyEverton shot stopper Courtney Brosnan put in a player of the match shift as her side found themselves hemmed into their own half for large spells.The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper made several impressive saves including a close-range injury-time stop of Stina Blackstenius’s attempted tap-in.The stalemate resulted in Arsenal falling two points behind Manchester City ahead of two of their biggest games of the season in Europe and the WSL.The Cityzens leapt to top spot following their 2-0 home win against West Ham with moving to Liverpool fifth and one place above Eidevall’s side on goal difference.Read More FootballThe Arsenal boss, whose side will face Bayern in their Champions League group stage opener in Munich on Wednesday, said: “First half we played with too little intent and moved the ball too slow.”We had quite a bit of control in that half, but here at home at the Emirates we should have much higher demands and standards for ourselves and our attacking game.”When we don’t move the ball quick enough then it’s really hard to break down a side like Everton.”They defend with so many players behind the ball and are really dedicated in their defendingMost read in Football”We’re disappointed with the result and the performance. “But we need to look forward to two really exciting, tough, challenging games.”With the games coming up, playing away against Munich and at home against Chelsea, we don’t need any more fuel or motivation.”Those games and those opponents are fuel enough. “We now need to look forward because no matter how disappointed we are with the draw, we still have a job to do.”The Gunners’ scoreless draw with the Toffees was the first of three games they will play in the space of seven days.Eidevall added: “It’s a quick turnaround so we can’t put a foot wrong with recovery and preparation so that needs to be the focus, but no about it we’re disappointed.”Arsenal were handed a fitness boost with defenders Leah Williamson and Steph Catley making their returns from injury.Catley came on in the 77th minute with England skipper Williamson entering the fray 13 minutes earlier having missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Man City, and wins against BK Hacken and Leicester with StephOf their return to action, Eidevall said: “It’s really important for us. We’ve been playing a lot of minutes with the same players.”When we look at our back four and given we have five games within 15 days here. “It would not have been sustainable to keep on piling on the minutes for those players so it’s really important to have them back.”Arsenal’s Emily Fox almost broke the deadlock with her floated 10th-minute delivery into the box hitting the crossbar.At the other end a loose pass from Gunners keeper Daphne van Domselaar, in the 18-yard almost handed a scoring chance to the visitors moments later.Brosnan made a perfectly-timed diving stop to keep out Mariona Caldentey’s shot from distance before Veatriki Sarri prompted Van Domselaar to tip the ball against the crossbar close to half-time.The second spell saw Everton and Arsenal shuffle their decks with Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord amongst the subs coming on.And Foord went close with a half-volleyed 90th-minute strike before Brosnan denied Blackstenius in injury time. The scoreless draw resulted in Everton ending their winless run in the top tier and picking up their first point of the season.And Brian Sorensen’s side will hope to register their first victory in the league this term when they host West Ham next Sunday (13 October).Leah Williamson returned to match action for Arsenal having missed their last two league games due to injuryCredit: AlamyThe Toffees boss said: “We were strong defensively and I don’t think they had big, big chances. The plan was good and the girls were even better executing it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What pleased me most? The resilience, the togetherness, the willingness to fight for each other, the coolness, the calmness. I’m super proud.”This result is only going to build our confidence.” More

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      Man Utd confirm signing of former Arsenal wonderkid, 16, who scored TEN goals in one game against Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have announced the signing of ex-Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin.Obi-Martin, 16, has put pen to paper with United after a goal-laden two-year stint in the Gunners’ youth system.Man Utd have announced the signing of teenage sensation Chido Obi-MartinObi-Martin scored a staggering 32 goals in 21 appearances with Arsenal’s Under-18sCredit: GettyThe highly-rated striker snubbed offers from the Gunners before leaving in the summer after amassing a staggering 32 goals and three assists in 21 appearances with the Under-18s.That led the Denmark Under-17 international to the Under-18 Premier League golden boot last term.The forward, though, really caught the eye by scoring a whopping TEN GOALS in one match against Liverpool.Obi-Martin also registered a seven-goal haul against Norwich, five goals against West Ham, four strikes in back-to-back games with Crystal Palace and Fulham as well as two more hat-tricks.Read More on Man UtdAnd the teenage sensation is looking forward to his new challenge at United.Obi-Martin said: “I’m very happy to sign with Man United, an amazing club.“It’s now time to focus and achieve all my dreams.”Obi-Martin is eligible to play for Nigeria but has also represented both England and Denmark at youth level.Most read in FootballThe ex-Arsenal centre-forward has played for the English and Danish Under-16 sides.The Denmark youth star scored twice as he helped his country reach the semi-finals of the Under-17 Euros in May.How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?United have seen a number of youth stars break into the first team in recent years, such as Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Bukayo Saka tears Southampton to shreds but team-mate Gabriel Jesus drained of all confidence

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      ARSENAL came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in front of a temporarily anxious Emirates crowd.The Saints, who sit 19th, were full of concentration in the first half, and saw themselves go 1-0 up through Cameron Archer.Kai Havertz drew Arsenal level within THREE minutes of Southampton’s openerGabriel Martinelli came from the bench in the 60th minute to put the Gunners in frontBukayo Saka bagged a goal and two assists as he ran rampant down the right hand sideFernandes’ diagonal after robbing Raheem Sterling, on his full Prem debut, set substitute Archer away in the 55th minute.But an immediate reply from Arsenal saw Kai Havertz cancel out Saints’ shock opener with a fantastic finish past Aaron Ramsdale – to score in his seventh home game in a row.Gabriel Martinelli completed the turnaround after no-one was close to tracking his far-post run as Bukayo Saka picked him out with a lovely deep cross to the back post.The visitors hit the post late on, before Saka built on his two assists to make it THREE – to leave Arsenal third and level on points with Manchester City in the Prem.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHere’s how SunSport’s Ivan Speck rated every Arsenal player…David Raya – 6 A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.Cameron Archer put the visitors 1-0 up in the 55th minuteDavid Raya couldn’t keep out Archer’s bullet finishThomas Partey – 6 Swapped his usual defensive midfield role for right-back, though given the one-way traffic, he barely had any defensive duties. But he supported Saka at every opportunity.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba – 6 Dependable as always when he was needed, which was mostly in the second half. Could have closed down Archer more quickly for the Southampton goal, but not alone in that.After a quiet first half William Saliba was called upon plenty in the second 45Gabriel – 6 Spent more time in the Southampton box trying to get his head on corners than in his own area, especially in the first half.Handled the giant Paul Onuachu well when Southampton threw him on.Antonio Rudiger instantly wins over Arsenal fans as former Chelsea defender pays Gunners stars huge complimentRiccardo Calafiori – 5Given a couple of uncomfortable moments by Tyler Dibling.Did not seem to know which way the St Mary’s youngster was going half the time.Riccardo Calafiori struggled with Tyler Dibling at timesJorginho (c)  – 6 Inches wide with a searing low shot late in the first half. Probed but rarely found an incisive pass through the yellow shirts. Taken off after an hour.Declan Rice – 6 His usual solid self and tried to take on a more creative role with Southampton camped out in front of their own area, but prefers an open game to showcase his box-to-box talents.Raheem Sterling  – 7 A freedom about his play. Happy to take on defenders at pace with his dancing feet.Unlucky not to finish off one dazzling run and even more unfortunate to be taken off after an hour.But was robbed of the ball for the Saints opener.Sterling was pushed off the ball for Southampton’s openerBukayo Saka – 9A game of two halves. Had to cope with being double-teamed every time he picked up the ball in the first half and there was disbelief around the Emirates when he launched one shot high into the stands.The second period was a different story. Tore Southampton to shreds time and again. A brilliant floated cross for Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead, then a typically clinical finish for his side’s third.Kai Havertz – 8 Proved his worth again as a scorer of important goals with the crucial equaliser just as nerves were beginning to jangle around the Emirates.Gabriel Jesus – 4Too long in the shadows has drained him of the belief he had when he first arrived at Arsenal as the main man up front.Two tame shots summed up his current ineffectiveness.SubsGabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8Three weeks ago, his role in the Arsenal side was in question. His form has returned in spades with a second Premier League goal in successive weeks.Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal in front from the benchLeandro Trossard (Jesus 61) – 7Like Martinelli, welcomed as a hero when he came on. Has become an important player in this Arsenal team. His run led to the third Arsenal goal.Mikel Merino (Jorginho 61) – 6A first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours. Introduced just as the games was opening up and will benefit from the taster.READ MORE SUN STORIESTakehiro Tomiyasu (Partey 84) – 6Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do. More

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      Aaron Ramsdale breaks down in tears on pitch after Arsenal fans’ reception on return to Emirates Stadium

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      AARON RAMSDALE was overcome with emotion as he broke down in tears on his first return to the Emirates since leaving this summer.The England goalkeeper joined Southampton on deadline day in a four-year deal worth £25m, bringing his three-year Gunners stint to an end.Aaron Ramsdale was reduced to tears after receiving a warm welcome from Arsenal fansIt marks the first time Ramsdale will play at the Emirates since leaving in the summerThe goalkeeper dried his eyes with his gloves ahead of Southampton’s game at the EmiratesRamsdale was left visibly emotional after he received a warm reception from Arsenal fans as the Saints face Mikel Arteta’s side in North London.The Emirates was less than half-full before the home fans were unanimous in giving Ramsdale a round of applause during the warm ups.The stopper was unable to hold back the waterworks as he headed for the tunnel before kick-off.After being treated to widespread applause and chants, Ramsdale was pictured using his gloves to wipe away tears.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 26-year-old then flashed a thumbs-up and a cheeky wink at the crowd.Ramsdale produced several great saves in the first half, as Arsenal were held to a 0-0 scoreline at half-time.He made 89 appearances in total for Arsenal but left in search of more game time after falling behind David Raya in the pecking order.Him and his family, particularly his dad, were heartbroken to see him lose his place to Raya, then on loan, at the start of last season.Most read in FootballThe decision seemed harsh from Arteta, as Ramsdale hadn’t made too many mistakes in their first title charging season in 2022-23.The England star thanked Arsenal fans for their reactionFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Raya decision, however brutal, has proven be the right one, with the former Spaniard proving to be one of the league’s best.Ramsdale played just six Prem games last season but has been ever present for the Saints this term.I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers Ramsdale said he made the move down to the south coast because he had no desire to ‘”win trophies if I was sitting on the bench.”He told the BBC’s Football Focus show: “If I was sitting on the bench, it [winning a trophy] wouldn’t have meant that much to me.I just wanted to play football. As a kid I wanted to play football to play, not to just sit on a bench.”Ramsdale became the ninth goalkeeper to play against Arsenal in the Prem having previously played for them in the competition.The only one of the previous eight to keep a clean sheet in his first such match against the Gunners is Emiliano Martinez, in a 3-0 win at the Emirates with Aston Villa in November 2020. More

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      Mikel Arteta ready to play set-piece mind games with ex-Gunner Aaron Ramsdale ahead of Arsenal return

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      MIKEL ARTETA has warned ex-Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale to expect set-piece MIND GAMES ahead of his North London return.Ramsdale plays at the Emirates today for the first time since swapping the Gunners for Southampton in a £25m deal this summer – ending his three-year stint.Aaron Ramsdale has endured a tough start to life at SouthamptonCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta axed Ramsdale for new No.1 David RayaCredit: GettyArsenal may be forced to create some new corner routines against RamsdaleCredit: AlamyAnd he is now able to give Russell Martin’s Saints the lowdown on his old side’s potent set-piece routines that have produced 45 goals in all competitions, excluding penalties, since July 2021 – the most in Europe’s top five leagues.Asked if Arsenal need to adapt with this in mind, Arteta said: “Probably.“Maybe we tell [Ramsdale] that we will adapt something but then do the same thing so he thinks we’re going to adapt it! So, there’s maybe going to be some mind games.“I’m sure that they will have discussed that. It’s not the first time that we have played against a player that was in our camp, it’s natural that it happens.read more arsenal“So, we need to have the capacity to understand and continue to do our things.”Signed from Sheffield United for £30m in August 2021, Ramsdale, 26, was Arsenal’s No.1 for two terms before being axed by last season’s new arrival David Raya from Brentford.Raya, 29, has since proven himself to be one of the best keepers in the Premier League, winning the Golden Glove last campaign with 16 clean sheets and was awarded August’s Save of the Month.Meanwhile, Ramsdale has so far conceded 10 goals in four outings for relegation-battling Southampton and was left out of Lee Carsley’s recent England squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Arteta admits it was “hard” to let Ramsdale leave. The Spaniard added: “I am grateful for what he did. When we signed him there was a lot of noise around him.“We helped to create the environment he needed because we believed in his potential. He showed it and won the respect and admiration of all of us.Arsenal set to play Champions League decider in half-empty stadium with tiny away allocation thanks to little-known rule “And then the circumstances changed because this is elite sport and can happen. It was difficult to deal with that situation in a natural way and we decided to part ways.“He decided he wanted to take another step in his career. I called him straight away after I got the news. He was really happy.“He’s a player that we loved a lot, very charismatic and he really put his fingerprints here at the club in the way that he was. It will be very good to see him.”Ramsdale has revealed his main motivation for leaving title-chasing Arsenal was to stop sitting on the bench, even if that means missing out on future silverware.He explained: “If I was sitting on the bench, winning a trophy wouldn’t have meant that much to me.”I just wanted to play football. As a kid I wanted to play football to play, not to just sit on a bench. Getting out and playing was my aim.“So, I’m lucky I found myself here at Southampton.”Ramsdale has also put to bed any rumours that there were any bad feelings between himself and his replacement Raya – even if being picked up by cameras during games annoyed him.Ramsdale said: “It used to do my head in coming off the pitch and then my wife would say you were on TV five times today.“After [Raya] made a save or a goal went in and [the camera] would pan to me on the bench. I do think the story was bigger than what it needed to be.Ramsdale and Raya were battling against each other for a starting spotCredit: Reuters“It put pressure on David at times as well. I did an interview with David Seaman after my new contract. I said I wanted to emulate him an be there for eight to 10 years.“A couple of months later I was out of the team. I tried my hardest to dislodge David but I do think now the rewards are showing.“He’s started the season incredibly well. He was actually the first person to text me from Arsenal after my move here.“He was great and he was top. Like I say he’s made some big, big saves this season and kept them in some games. Just desperate he doesn’t have one of those games [today].”Ramsdale has defended Saints boss Martin’s style of play – one that sees the club with one point from six games in lowly 19th.During their 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Monday, Southampton had 60 per cent possession but just three shots on target.Ramsdale said: “Martin is top. His enthusiasm, the way he wants to play, the way he wants to do things – he’s going to stick by it.“He’s not going to change because other people say he needs to.”Arteta has also come out in defence of Martin’s approach, having seen this style help Southampton go 25 games unbeaten on their way to Prem promotion last term.Arteta argued: “I understand what [Martin] wants to do and why he does it.“It is very difficult to coach it and, at the level that he has done it, to perform, it was a joy to watch [in the Championship].“You need a lot of courage and I love that. When he was winning a lot of games nobody was talking about that and when you lose it is too much.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve been very unlucky not to have many more points because there were moments in the game where they have far better than the opponents.”Arsenal are unlikely to have Jurrien Timber [muscular] and Ben White [groin] at their disposal, while skipper Martin Odegaard [ankle] and Oleksandr Zinchenko [calf] remain out until after the international break. More

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      Arsenal star Mikel Merino is lover of notorious bull run with La Liga cult hero dad and pro-basketball star mum

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      THE SPANISH city of Pamplona is famous for its Running of the Bulls festival.Every summer, daredevil locals volunteer to lead the bulls – often 10 or more – down narrow streets at high speed in an event that attracts hundreds of tourists from around the world.Mikel Merino is in contention to make his Premier League debut with ArsenalCredit: GettyArsenal ace Merino is a fan of the notorious Pamplona bull runCredit: AFPMerino is the son of Osasuna legend Miguel Angel Merino and basketball hero MaiteA regular face in the crowds is Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, 28 – a local Pamplona lad from the province of Navarre and an admirer of the power and unpredictability on show.There was a time during his upbringing at the famed Osasuna academy where Merino was viewed in a similar light: a midfield talent with an impressive physique – now standing at 6 foot 2 inches – but one who lacked control.Former Osasuna coach Jose Manuel Mateo told SunSport: “There was a period in which he was physically a very powerful player but was still not developed enough to move his body.“It was a bit difficult for him. He was very strong, really advanced for his age, something special that was above the others, but missing something muscularly.Read More on Arsenal“But by the end of his time with us, he was technically and physically a complete player. People could see he would reach the top immediately.“A great left foot, he had potential aerially, covered a lot of the pitch, stepped into both attacking and defensive areas with great ease and a lot of potential to score goals.”Merino arrived at the Osasuna academy at the age of 16 in the summer of 2012, already a minor celebrity thanks to his father Angel Miguel – a club legend of nearly 200 appearances turned youth coach.His towering stature for one so young however came from his mother Maite – a professional basketball player in her prime – while his brothers were also ready-born athletes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOsasuna’s most successful products include ex-Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and former Gunners full-back Nacho Monreal, yet would often have their great youth talents snatched by neighbouring rivals Athletic Bilbao, such as Javi Martinez – a nine-time Bundesliga champion and two-time Champions League winner with Bayern Munich.But there was never a chance of Merino deserting, such was his love for family-club Osasuna, a decision that turned out to be pivotal in the long run.Emotional reason for Spain hero Mikel Merino’s celebration revealed as incredible footage from 33 years ago is unearthed In a tumultuous 2014/15 campaign that saw Osasuna narrowly avoid relegation from the Spanish second tier, Mateo was made interim coach in February 2015 and immediately promoted an 18-year-old Merino to the first team.Mateo explained: “What Osasuna gives young players is a charm, with demanding conditions that give them the necessary attributes to succeed.“The fact that players from here go on to play at big clubs, you can see they have been motivated by being in the lower leagues, showing their potential.“[Merino] Is proud to have become the type of player he is with us. It was special to see him arrive in the first team, like when you go to the salt and see the players from the quarry.“His debut came about in a very compromised situation, and from there he rose. It was an indisputable pillar of his famous rise to where we see him now.“To be thrown in and to do what he did, there was no doubt that he was no longer just a footballer, but one who was going to end up where he is now at Arsenal.”Becoming an ‘influential player’Merino played a starring role the following season, driving Osasuna to La Liga promotion via the play-offs with four goals in 34 league appearances.Mateo added: “Ever since, in every club he has been at, he has been an influential player.”From the outside, this perhaps did not look to be the case during underwhelming spells with Borussia Dortmund in 2016/17 and Newcastle in 2017/18.But Merino soon found a home at Real Sociedad before being highlighted by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta this summer as a vital cog in the club’s Premier League title charge.No doubt Spaniard Arteta was impressed enough by compatriot Merino’s influence on Spain’s Euros triumph in July – including a quarter-final extra-time headed winner to knock out Germany – to bring him to the Emirates for £32million.Merino is in contention to make his Prem debut on Saturday against Southampton after finally making his first appearance in the mid-week Champions League 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain following a freak shoulder injury in his first training session back in August.But there are those at Osasuna who are already counting down the days until Merino ends his career back in Pamplona in a fairy tale return.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateo said: “Having had a father who has been a player and then to see the son, for those of us who are ‘Osasunistas’ it fills us with pride. That root continues to be maintained.“When a player touches the roof of football, at world or European level, to have them return would bring that pride back. It would be beautiful.” More

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      I scored the winning goal when Arsenal last lost a league game at home to Southampton, now I’m a tiler at 65

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      SOUTHAMPTON have failed to win in their last 28 league games at Arsenal – stretching back 37 years.Former Saints midfielder Glenn Cockerill reflects on that last win in North London and his next visit to Highbury the following year with Saints, when he suffered a broken jaw in a 2-2 draw.Glenn Cockerill was part of the Southampton team that last won a league game at ArsenalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCockerill scored the winning goal for Southampton against Arsenal 37 years agoCockerill is now a tiler but still works with SouthamptonThe former midfielder works as a tiler and, at 65, says he hopes to retire next year. He is still involved in football with Saints and his tireless charity work — including a legends match which takes place next weekend. His son Brody is part of the Bromley academy.WITH just over 10 minutes left, Colin Clarke nodded on a long free-kick into the Arsenal area and lightning-quick Danny Wallace prodded the ball home.If you would have told me then, as we walked off the pitch at Highbury, that a Saints side would not have won at Arsenal in the league before I was 65, I’d have thought you were having a laugh.Read More on FootballI actually thought my old team were going to win at the Emirates in 2023 when they were 2-0 up and then 3-1 ahead with two minutes remaining, but the Gunners pegged them back to 3-3.It’s hard to comprehend that it was 37 years ago when we last won there — and even more crazy that there is a whole new generation that don’t even remember Arsenal’s old Highbury ground.It was one of the grandest stadiums to play in, with a huge marble entrance. As a player it was always one of those away games I really looked forward to.But you knew as an opponent going to Highbury (or the Emirates as it is now) that it was always one of the most difficult places to get anything from the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt the time of this match, George Graham’s side were top of the table but, under manager Chris Nicholl, we were a very underrated side.During my eight wonderful years as a Southampton player, six of them were spent playing alongside Jimmy Case in midfield.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGWe formed a great understanding on the pitch and a lifelong friendship off it. I never stopped learning from him and we’d always cover for each other during games.But what a player he was! It angers and frustrates me when I see so many players with half his talent playing for England when I look and see he never won a Three Lions cap.Here was a guy who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool.Jimmy had one of the hardest shots in the game, could unlock defences with sublime passes with either foot and could play all over the pitch. And he was as hard as nails as an opponent.We should have won in our next game at Highbury the following season when we were leading 2-0 before my jaw was broken. The game ended up 2-2.Even 36 years on, I have no wish to comment on what Paul Davis has had to say about the incident (which led to a nine-game ban and a £3,000 fine).Unforgettable injuryFrom my own perspective, one moment I was playing and the next I was knocked out cold. When I came round all I can recall is our physio, Dennis Rofe, asking if I was OK and whether I knew what the score was.The crazy part is that I played on for the rest of the match not having a clue that I had a badly broken jaw.It seems almost Stone Age compared with today where players are treated in cotton wool where anything medical is involved, and rightly so. I never thought for a moment about coming off!We always had fish and chips on the way home from a London away game. It wasn’t until I tried to eat the fish I realised my whole jaw and mouth wouldn’t work.I made my way to the front of the bus, told the manager and the medical staff. I was taken straight to hospital and within a couple of hours was in surgery having an operation.All I wanted to do was get back playing again as soon as possible. The irony was I returned with Davis’ ban still running.Next generationAs far as this season is concerned, I reckon Russell Martin and Southampton are going to need around eight wins and a smattering of draws if they are to stay in the Premier League.Arsenal is one of the toughest games they’ll face this season but we saw last week another newly-promoted club, Leicester, run them very close.I am very proud that my son Brody is one of the apprentices and part of the academy at new League Two side Bromley.At 16, he’s got so much more natural talent than I ever had.But he’s also a very grounded lad and has so much dedication.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s got a long way to go but he’s on the right path with an ambitious club and learning every day.I am hoping we get a huge turnout on Sunday week (October 13) when a Saints’ Legends side play against a Russell Martin XI at St Mary’s — with everything to fund chosen charities in the Southampton area. More

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      Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall slams ‘amateurish’ handling of Chelsea and Man United fixture problem

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      Jonas Eidevall hit out at Women’s Super League chiefs for “having no plan B” for Champions League and WSL fixture congestion.The Arsenal chief criticised the “amateurish” scheduling that led to Chelsea having a top-flight game pencilled in two days before a match Europe.Jonas Eidevall wants authorities in charge of scheduling WSL games to be more proactive around planning for possible fixture clashesCredit: GettyThe Arsenal boss was sharing his thoughts about Chelsea having a league game postponed due to concerns with it being two days before their Champions League fixtureCredit: GettyEidevall was reflecting on scenario that led to the Blues’ home duel with the Red Devils, initially scheduled for Sunday, being shelved with just seven days’ notice.This was down to player welfare worries with the title-holders having a Champions League clash with Real Madrid just two days after their United game. The calling off of the match by Women’s Professional League Limited, who took over running the WSL at the start of the season, has been criticised by fans including the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group.Earlier this week Man United boss Marc Skinner said the Red Devils had sold all their away tickets for the clash.Read More Football StoriesHowever some fans were also sympathetic to the Blues situation and the club looking out for players’ wellbeing, given the tight turnaround between the games.Eidevall, whose Arsenal team host Everton on the WSL on Sunday, said: “The fans are the backbone to what we’re trying to build.”Getting postponed games as supporters – this time it doesn’t concern Arsenal fans – but it does concern fans of other clubs in the league.”It is simply unacceptable to have people’s money and time being treated in that way beforehand and it’s simply not good enough from the league.Most read in Football”The three English teams (competing in the Champions League) were all scheduled to play (WSL games) on Sunday with each having a 50% chance to play their (European) game on Tuesday. “That has been the information that’s been there for months.”That we have a lead organisation that doesn’t act proactively on these matters – it’s damaging for the fans.”The problem is the proactiveness about what you do and to have a plan for when different scenarios come about. “There was a risk or chance to be playing on Tuesday, which would rule out the possibility to play your game on Sunday.”Now, if you have that new planning scenario, of course now you need to have a plan B. What happens if you play on Tuesday? “And if you don’t have a clear answer to that, you have a problem.”Last Sunday in their game postponement statement, the WPLL said they wished to put “player welfare first” with the WSL leaders playing a Champions League game next Tuesday.Last Saturday Uefa confirmed the date for the Blues’ opening group stage game (against Real Madrid) would be Tuesday 8 October.Amid concern over players having to contest two matches in 48 hours, Chelsea and the WPLL asked Uefa if the fixture could be pushed back.The approach to Champion’s League football and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters has to change.Jonas EidevallHowever the European football authority explained its calendar for the contest had been published more than a year ago.Eidevall added: “Do the league want the English club teams to be successful at European level?”I would hope the answer to that is ‘yes’, but the action shows differently. “It shows that this is not one of their priorities to have the club teams to be successful.”That is very negative for English women’s club football because it’s very important that this is the first time in the group stage that three teams reach the group stage. “That should be something that we celebrate.”Because of this amateurish behaviour – with not having a proactive plan and taking away a game like Chelsea’s and postponing that – it now puts us in a situation where we play Sunday.“Then we play Wednesday away against Bayern Munich. “They do not play (this) Sunday because they of course play (on) Saturday because they have a league organisation that sees the value of getting their top teams in better positions in the Champions League. “Then we return to playing Saturday against Chelsea at the Emirates and we have considerably less preparations than the opponents.”We’ll be handling this sporting disadvantage in two huge games for us.”But we’re not a team that’s going to lie down and give up just because situations are tough.“We’re going to dig deeper than we have ever done before and we’re going to try and fuel a lot of performances from that. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will take on Bayern Munich away in the Champions League three days after their WSL home game against EvertonCredit: Getty”But what needs to change?”I think the approach to Champion’s League football, and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters, this has to change.”It’s not good enough to blame it on Uefa because everyone across Europe has had the same information for so long. “The only one that hasn’t acted on that information is the WSL.” More