There were no banners or chants calling for Eidevall to be sacked, but the tension at the Emirates was palpable.
Fans were questioning his position as they entered the stadium, with their thumping 5-2 defeat by Bayern Munich on Wednesday deemed “the last straw”.
That followed an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Everton, while this latest defeat by Chelsea leaves them four points off the Women’s Super League title race with only four games played.
A sprinkling of boos greeted Chelsea’s second goal in the 16th minute, but Eidevall asked the fanbase to believe in the club the way his players do.
“They should see the players and how incredibly hard they work. How much heart they have, how much character they have for the club,” he said.
“That, I hope, gives supporters belief. I fully understand that people are disappointed when we don’t win football matches and we are also really disappointed.
“We are really hurting, I’m hurting, the players are hurting. We want to do that better so I fully understand that in that moment.
“Just as you’re allowed to show emotions when we win, you’re allowed to show emotions when we lose. They invest everything. I totally understand their frustration when we don’t win football matches.”
Eidevall’s job does not appear to be under imminent danger. He did not go on the defence in his post-match media conference, instead responding calmly to questions and thanking reporters as he left the room.
Perhaps he is buoyed by his side’s fight against Chelsea, albeit in defeat – but he will have been aware of who was in the stands watching.
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu was among those in attendance, alongside non-executive director Tim Lewis and former quadruple-winning coach Vic Akers.
They would have arrived in hope of a turnaround in fortunes, but left having seen Arsenal fall four points behind in their early title pursuit.
“It certainly doesn’t help with league-winning ambitions. But it doesn’t change the perspective that you need to go game by game,” added Eidevall.
“You need to do your absolute best in every single game, but there is no point in hiding away from reality in saying it’s a bad start to the season.”
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