Jonas Eidevall has stepped down as Arsenal Women’s head coach [Daniela Porcelli/SPP]

ARSENAL head coach Jonas Eidevall has resigned with immediate effect following the Gunners poor start to the season.

The 41-year-old found himself under mounting pressure following a stuttering start to the Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign, which continued on Saturday when Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

That defeat came just days after the north Londoners lost their opening Champions League group game 5-2 to Bayern Munich.

Assistant coach Renee Slegers will take charge on an interim basis, with the search for a new head coach already underway.

The club’s sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021.

“We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first-team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women. We all wish him the very best for the future.

“Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new head coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renée, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week.”

Eidevall signed a new three-year contract with the club last October after consecutive top-three finishes in the WSL, while also winning the Women’s League Cup in the past two seasons.

But this season has got off to an underwhelming start with Arsenal having won just one of their opening four league games. They are also the joint-third lowest scorers with just four goals to their name so far.

Next up, Arsenal will face Norwegian side Valerenga in the Champions League on Wednesday night at the Emirates, before travelling to West Ham in the WSL on Sunday.