Emma Hayes vs Jonas Eidevall: Is this the WSL’s most heated rivalry ever?

With Arsenal and Chelsea locked in a fierce battle for the Women’s Super League title, managers Emma Hayes and Jonas Eidevall are both desperate for the bragging rights. 

Chelsea sit one point ahead of the Gunners heading into the final weekend of the season and a third consecutive title remains in their hands. 

The relationship between Eidevall and Hayes has been somewhat fractious ever since the first game of the season. The Gunners upset the defending champions at the Emirates –– emerging 3-2 victors, thanks to some questionable decisions by the officials. 

This is Eidevall’s first season in the WSL but he has not shied away from controversy –– often making digs at Hayes’ team throughout the campaign. 

Ahead of the final round of fixtures, here’s a closer look at the story behind the rivalry.

After beating the Blues at the Emirates on the opening day,  Eidivevall celebrated wildly on the touchline. 

Hayes, who had rested many of her top stars, including Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby, said she was acting in the best interest of her team and that Arsenal’s decision not to rest players may come back to haunt them. 

“I will say from years of experience, let’s fast forward to the end of the season and see the impact,” she stressed. 

A few months later the sides met again in the FA Cup final as Chelsea thrashed the Gunners 3-0.

Eidevall had admitted in the build up to the match that he was superstitious about black cats and Hayes couldn’t resist a sly dig at the Swedish manager. 

“Everything about us… we just purred from start to finish,” she said. 

Most recently, Eidevall has questioned why Chelsea were allowed to re-arrange fixtures in January. 

Arsenal lost to the now relegated Birmingham City at the start of 2022, while