If Eidevall is trying to build a squad which is tactically flexible, which I think he is, he also has to balance the time it takes to build a flexible tactics squad with the short term need to win some while building. Before the season I expected Arsenal to finish third because of all the new players, very short pre-season, and people slowly coming back from long term injuries. So I'm OK with third for this season, but fourth and no champions league spot is too low.
Unfortunately I don’t see any progress this year, and less clarity. That said, I can also be affected by recency bias and Jonas deserves another year. If we are in the same position in 12 months though it will be time to change.
I think that's a fair comment, I've said before that there's a difference between reasons and excuses for this season's inconsistencies. I agree if it's still happening next year (when there will be fewer reasons), questions will need to be asked, but that doesn't necessarily mean a new coach.
I think we've probably underestimated just how much of a reset/rebuild was required. Thinking back to immediately after the last game of the season at West Ham a couple of years ago, there was uncertainty about numerous contracts including Viv and Leah. Since then I think there's been a transformation, but we're definitely not there yet.
What's changed is depth of squad - and thinking about this week's win my estimate of the value of the squad has been (deep breath):
Viv missing - no problem Frida plays the high pressing no 10/support striker role.
Lia missing - one of the best young midfielders in Europe steps in.
Swedish international CB (and goalscoring threat is out), no problem England's captain is back from injury. She needs to be replaced, no problem - young defender from the Barcelona steps in and steps up.
Canadian international winger starts to tire, no problem, Australian international winger steps in with huge energy and creates the goal.
Iconic, versatile, international captain in the left back role has to be moved to cover another position, no problem Australian international LB comes on (bringing solid partnership with aforementioned winger, oh and not a bad penalty taker either).
Iconic LB/RW has to leave - one the most talented young midfielders in the world comes on and plays with the composure and impact of a 28 year old.
Marquee summer signing is unwell and can't play full game - no problem - there's another in form international striker who can play 120 mins of high pressing football and score the winner.
Really distressing substitution required at the end of normal time and the Marquee summer signing comes on.
Oh, and there's even an international RB to cover the really impressive new Jan signing.
Apologies for the length - but it was only when I was musing on this during the drive home on Sunday did I realise quite how much the squad won the game.
If Eidevall is trying to build a squad which is tactically flexible, which I think he is, he also has to balance the time it takes to build a flexible tactics squad with the short term need to win some while building. Before the season I expected Arsenal to finish third because of all the new players, very short pre-season, and people slowly coming back from long term injuries. So I'm OK with third for this season, but fourth and no champions league spot is too low.
An interesting point which applies equally to both Arsenal Women and Arsenal Men.
3rd place for either team will be a bit disappointing for me this season, but the main thing is continuous improvement for next season.
Unfortunately I don’t see any progress this year, and less clarity. That said, I can also be affected by recency bias and Jonas deserves another year. If we are in the same position in 12 months though it will be time to change.
I think that's a fair comment, I've said before that there's a difference between reasons and excuses for this season's inconsistencies. I agree if it's still happening next year (when there will be fewer reasons), questions will need to be asked, but that doesn't necessarily mean a new coach.
I think we've probably underestimated just how much of a reset/rebuild was required. Thinking back to immediately after the last game of the season at West Ham a couple of years ago, there was uncertainty about numerous contracts including Viv and Leah. Since then I think there's been a transformation, but we're definitely not there yet.
What's changed is depth of squad - and thinking about this week's win my estimate of the value of the squad has been (deep breath):
Viv missing - no problem Frida plays the high pressing no 10/support striker role.
Lia missing - one of the best young midfielders in Europe steps in.
Swedish international CB (and goalscoring threat is out), no problem England's captain is back from injury. She needs to be replaced, no problem - young defender from the Barcelona steps in and steps up.
Canadian international winger starts to tire, no problem, Australian international winger steps in with huge energy and creates the goal.
Iconic, versatile, international captain in the left back role has to be moved to cover another position, no problem Australian international LB comes on (bringing solid partnership with aforementioned winger, oh and not a bad penalty taker either).
Iconic LB/RW has to leave - one the most talented young midfielders in the world comes on and plays with the composure and impact of a 28 year old.
Marquee summer signing is unwell and can't play full game - no problem - there's another in form international striker who can play 120 mins of high pressing football and score the winner.
Really distressing substitution required at the end of normal time and the Marquee summer signing comes on.
Oh, and there's even an international RB to cover the really impressive new Jan signing.
Apologies for the length - but it was only when I was musing on this during the drive home on Sunday did I realise quite how much the squad won the game.