Why Jonas Eidevall’s substitutions cost Arsenal in draw with Everton | OneFootball

Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Everton at the weekend has sparked debate over manager Jonas Eidevall’s tactical decisions.

In a match where attacking impetus was needed, Eidevall opted for defensive-minded substitutions, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether a more aggressive approach could have changed the outcome.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Team Arsenal and Team Everton high five young girls on the pitch before the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on October 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jaimi Joy/Getty Images)

Arsenal drew with Everton 0-0 and there are questions about why the Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevall, made four defensive-minded substitutions in a 0-0 game.

If we start looking at the starting XI, he selected Daphne van Domselaar; Laura Wienroither, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Katie McCabe; Kim Little, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey.

For the first time in a while, Steph Catley and Leah Williamson were available on the bench and, with two big games coming up this week, they needed to get game time at some point.

At the same time, the backline had started the last four games (Häcken, Manchester City, Häcken, Leicester) and the full-backs needed a rest, as seen last weekend when McCabe had to be subbed and Wienroither was supposed to be on the bench.

So, there was a need for Wienroither and McCabe to get a breather too.

In a perfect world, Arsenal would have taken an early lead, gained control, and started making substitutions to accommodate all the players’ needs. At the end of the day, the science behind all these minutes and players’ load control is used to avoid injuries.

Unfortunately, things did not go to plan. The players did not deliver, and the performance was sluggish in the first half. It was a bit better in the second half, but in terms of attacking players, only Maanum seemed to have any kind of positive effect.

It was the same problem attacking a low block, and Everton had a back five, too.

So, under normal circumstances, you would expect the coaching staff to make attacking substitutions: first, a triple substitution of Stina Blackstenius for Russo, who was isolated in attack, as seen on the pass map, and two defensive subs, Wienroither for Caitlin Foord, as Wienroither needed to be managed, and Williamson for Wubben-Moy to give her minutes following her concussion problem.

It has to be said, the Foord substitution actually worked as she offered something different with her attacking mindset and willingness to go forward all the time. Playing a winger at full-back guarantees attacking football. Obviously, Wienroither should have been playing there, but her injury in the Leicester warm-up did not allow her to make the bench.

Then, if it is still 0-0 with about 15 minutes to go and the players are still not creating enough clear chances, you would think putting in creative attacking midfielders or forwards would be a must to score the much needed goal to win the game 1-0.

Unfortunately, the staff carried on with the pre-planned substitutions.

Catley came on at right-back for McCabe; it made sense as one needed a rest and the other needed to get a game before Bayern and Chelsea. There is no doubt that Catley will start one of those two games; otherwise, McCabe will be a big injury risk.

The last substitution was not a logical one, unlike the other four.

Cooney-Cross, who had an average game, was replaced by Lia Wälti. A defensive-minded substitution that was not needed in the context of the game.

We know how good Lia is at reading the game and blocking counter-attacks, but when you are pushing for a win, you should put on attacking and creative players.

The two logical substitutions would have been either Katherina Kühl or Sara Kafaji—a number eight who has the ability to break lines with her runs or short passing, something that was terribly missed for the whole game in the central area. Or a forward who can create uncertainty in the opposition’s defence with her unpredictability.

Putting Wälti on was a defensive move that was not effective, in my opinion.

In the end, a 0-0 draw is another two points lost after the two dropped to Manchester City in the season opener. It means City are two points clear of the Gunners, currently in sixth place.

Chelsea are one point clear but have a game in hand against Manchester United, so potentially a four-point deficit on the Blues.

Saturday’s game will be a six-pointer against the holders, because a home defeat would mean a potential seven-point deficit and the end of the title challenge as early as matchday four.

Coming next is Bayern away on Wednesday, a tough away game to start the Champions League group stage with little preparation, as today is a recovery day for the players and tomorrow will be the only session to specifically work on that game.

Then, the same program for the Chelsea game with Thursday recovery day and Friday prep and set-up for the Saturday game.

This is an important week for the club; staff and players need to be on top of their game. As much as fans like to put the blame on Jonas Eidevall, as soon as the players cross the white line, they are the masters of their destiny.