Jonas Eidevall braced for Everton challenge as WSL run-in starts to unfold

Jonas Eidevall has said that Everton's recent 7-0 defeat to Chelsea is not indicative of the challenge that faces his Arsenal team ahead of their WSL clash on Wednesday night.

Whilst Arsenal found themselves back to winnings ways this month, recording a much-needed4-0 victory over Brighton, Everton endured a proper thrashing.

However, the Arsenal boss believes that the loss showed promising moments for Brian Sorensen's side and that the Gunners should be wary of the principles the Liverpool-based team possess.

"I tend to look at the way that the teams play, and you can see that Everton as a team has, has a lot of both good qualities and also some really good players," The Swede ruled ahead of the trip

"It's going to be a tough challenge for us, and we can't be fooled by that result.

"I think they are very consistent in the way they play. I think it comes from their coach, Brian, who has a very clear idea of how they want to play, and I think that idea is not only dependent on one or two players; that's a long-term vision that he has for the team to play and they've been very true to those principles and that way of playing the whole season."

The last time these two teams met in the WSL was the reverse fixture at Meadow Park, where Arsenal clinched a narrow 1-0 win, despite some progressive pressing that forced the Gunners into some tough defensive practices.

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Recalling the last time Arsenal faced the current sixth-place side, Eidevall reflected on where Arsenal need to develop the most ahead of a game that is vital for their top three hopes - a win would move them three points clear of fourth place Manchester City with only two games left for each.

"If I remember correctly, the last five minutes there, they actually had some good chances there to tie up that game [in December], Eidevall said. "I think mainly when we look at that game, our pressing needs to be good as a team that is so skilful in playing out from the back like Everton is.

Speaking about Everton's consistency in big games, despite a few heavy scorelines, he added, "I think that's been their advantage this season that they've been keeping true to their principles. I think that gives players stability; it gives them confidence in order to play.

"I think they have played some great football at parts this season as well. We are looking forward to the game, but we know it's going to be a tough challenge."

"I always expect our opponents to be fully motivated. I expect us to be fully motivated as well, so my expectations is never different from that."