Eidevall relishing Manchester City test for Arsenal and hopes WSL attracts more investment
JONAS EIDEVALL hopes the “drama and entertainment” of the WSL attracts more financial backing for the division in future.
And the Arsenal boss is relishing the challenge facing his aces when they take on Manchester City this afternoon.
GettyArsenal hope to follow their defeat of Bayern Munich in Europe with a win against Man City in the WSL[/caption]
PAJonas Eidevall believes the drama and competitiveness of the WSL gives the league an edge[/caption]
AlamyThe last WSL meeting between the Gunners and Man City ended in a 2-1 win for the Citizens[/caption]
Eidevall was sharing his thoughts on the WSL following the Gunners and Chelsea reaching the Champions League semis before his side’s clash with City later.
The lunchtime duel comes days after the London rivals’ dramatic defeats of Bayern Munich and Lyon.
When asked what those results suggest about the strength of the league, the Arsenal chief said: “It says a lot.
“We have Manchester United and Manchester City, who have played incredibly well so far this season.
“They also have the quality to go very far in Europe.”
Eidevall’s remarks coincided with the FA revealing 500,000 fans have attended WSL games so far this season.
The Gunners gaffer added: “We’re playing a lot of games (in the WSL), that are really challenging.
“You see a team like Aston Villa and the football that they are producing – it’s amazing and a really high level football.’
“To speak of only four (WSL teams) might be a mistake. There will be more clubs coming (through).
“This will be the strength for the league.
“This is what no other European country will have at this moment – a league that can have so much competition, so much drama and so much entertainment in it.
“Hopefully that can be a real driving force for financial investment to get the best players in Europe coming here to play in England.”
Arsenal have won just one of their last six WSL meetings with Manchester City with their rivals winning four of those matches.
While the Gunners defeated their opponents on their way to league cup triumph this year, City avenged that loss with a 2-1 win in the WSL in February.
The Arsenal chief added: “I see them as a very strong team.
“They’re very organised both on and off the ball with a very clear idea of how they want to execute (their gameplan)
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of us playing against this strong team.”
Today’s clash could see Steph Houghton make her ninth WSL appearance this term.
GettySteph Houghton was among Man City’s standout performers in their wins against the Gunners and Chelsea earlier this year[/caption]
And Taylor believes the City skipper is hitting fine form for his side.
The Citizens boss said “Steph has performed really well in this period for us.
“I think she’s playing some of her best football that we’ve seen. Her leadership qualities are huge.”
Arsenal vs Manchester City will be aired live from 12:30pm on BBC Two and streamed live via BBC iPlayer today.
