Let’s take a look back at the last week in the world of Arsenal women.
Arsenal out of the Cup
Arsenal lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup, with Jonas Eidevall acknowledging that Chelsea were more efficient in taking their chances.
After the game, he stated that he believes Arsenal created enough chances to win the game but were unable to convert them.
Eidevall is optimistic that profligacy in front of goal will not become a mental issue and believes in creating good habits in training.
Eidevall doesn’t see defending as an issue for the team, but acknowledges the need to improve balance and delay better.
He sees Arsenal getting closer to Chelsea in terms of performance and development, and remains optimistic about the team’s future.
Eidevall unhappy with scheduling
Before the game against Chelsea, Eidevall criticised the league schedule, calling for it to review how often certain teams are given certain kick-off times.
Arsenal have played the 6.45pm Sunday slot 11 times since its introduction, more than any other club, and Eidevall says his team is asked to play three times in six days more often than other WSL teams.
He believes that the playing schedule, where Arsenal played late Sunday night against West Ham, midweek, and then Saturday at lunchtime away from home, is a really tough schedule and that other women’s clubs in England are not being asked to play in such a schedule consistently.
New coach arrives at Arsenal
Lydia Bedford, the former manager of Leicester City Women, has joined Arsenal Women’s coaching staff as an assistant coach.
Bedford received her coaching education from the Football Association before she joined Leicester City in 2021.
She was sacked in November 2022, shortly before the Foxes played against Arsenal.
Patrik Winqvist, who joined the club’s coaching staff in January, was the first addition before Bedford.
Excited to get back on the grass and work hard to support this fantastic group of @ArsenalWFC staff and players for the remainder on this season #letsgo https://t.co/HOFrXc4ccL
— Lydia Bedford (@Lyds87) February 24, 2023
Who is Lydia Bedford?
Lydia Bedford is a British football coach who previously served as the head coach of the Leicester City Women’s Football Club in the Women’s Super League (WSL). She was one of the youngest coaches in the country to achieve her UEFA Pro License in 2019.
During her time at Leicester City, Bedford played a significant role in guiding the club to the top tier of women’s football in England, and she helped the team achieve some notable victories over established clubs in the league. However, in October 2021, it was announced that Bedford had left her position as head coach of Leicester City by mutual consent.
Before joining Leicester City, Bedford worked as an assistant coach at various clubs, including Bristol City Women and West Bromwich Albion Women. She also worked as a coach educator for the Football Association (FA) and has been involved in developing young coaches in the country.
Overall, Lydia Bedford is a talented and respected coach who has made significant contributions to the development of women’s football in England.
Arsenal accounts are out
Arsenal Women’s team has seen a significant boost in funding from the parent company, Arsenal Football Club plc, according to the newly released accounts for 2021-22.
The accounts show a rise in commercial income, a significant increase in the salary bill, and a 62% increase in turnover. Arsenal’s parent company provided a £5.1m “support fee,” up from £3.8m the year before. The team also signed a commercial deal with beauty brand Il Makiage. However, the women’s side still heavily relies on being subsidized by the parent company, and the salary bill would represent 242% of the club’s revenue without it.
Read here for a more detailed breakdown from Tim Stillman.
Pay for Arsenal Women increases by 30% but work to do
Arsenal Women’s Football Club has increased its staff wages by almost 30% in the latest published accounts, with a total wage bill of £4.3m for the 2021-22 season.
However, salaries still lag significantly behind those of the men’s team, with individual male players earning much more.
Despite this, Arsenal are committed to investing in top players and generating consistent revenues through commercial partnerships and increased attendances. The women’s team saw a 62% increase in turnover and an increase in matchday revenue, but the gender pay gap in football remains significant.