Eidevall: "We need to start matches better"

Jonas Eidevall was pleased with our "winning mentality" against Southampton in the Conti Cup, though he conceded that our display could have been better. 

"I don't think the performance was great from us," said our head coach. "On the ball, we didn't have enough movement and enough quality, and off the ball, we didn't connect well enough to play defence. Then it becomes a hard game for us.

"What is nice and good to see is the reaction on the pitch after we concede their goal and how we really wanted to go for a win. Everyone expects that from us and it's nice to see that we get the reward.

When asked about our struggle this season to breakthrough teams in the first half, Eidevall put it down to several factors.

"It's a combination. Southampton are a good, hard-working, organised team - credit to them. I think you can see where we have been playing in the Conti Cup, we have made a lot of changes to our starting XI and of course, we get new relationships on the pitch.

"That shouldn't be underestimated in football. It takes a little bit of time to get that working. Another part of it is down to us needing to hit a higher standard in our performance. We are under no illusions that we need to start football matches better. That’s an aim for us."

Just as a penalty shootout loomed, Amanda Ilestedt popped up with a winner and her first Arsenal goal.

"I think Amanda played a good, important role in the second half. When we went to a back three, it became really important that she was an offensive threat in those moments as well. That was really pleasing to see, along with having that winning mentality on the pitch."

A record Southampton crowd was in attendance at St Mary's Stadium, with our ever-dedicated away support creating a special atmosphere for the win.

"They’re incredible. They’re as much a part of us now winning seven straight games in a row as the players, as the coaching staff. They’re so connected to us. It's so pleasing to play in front of them.

"Also, I think Southampton put on a great event here tonight. It's a great atmosphere in the stadium. It's a great stadium to host a match like this. It just shows the growth of the game and it also shows that a club like Southampton have a great future ahead of them. Hopefully, they also keep investing and keep pushing and they will help drive the game forward together with us."