USWNT star Emily Fox told she's 'so important' to Arsenal as Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall talks up defensive partnership with Leah Williamson

The Gunners secured a Champions League place for next season after easing past the Foxes in a 3-0 win on Sunday in the Women's Super League. There was a less familiar looking backline for Eidevall's side as Lotte Wubben-Moy was out injured, meaning Steph Catley partnered Leah Williamson - who returned from an ACL injury in February - in the heart of their defence and January signing Emily Fox and Katie McCabe were their full-backs. Now, manager Eidevall has sung the praises of USWNT star Fox and Williamson.

The Gunners manager said: "The start of a really good partnership. They're both fantastic footballers but they need obviously more time to play together and understand each other, how they want the passes and the communication to work. Today (Sunday) was one of the best examples to see the right side work, they are also both so athletic as well as good football players. There is one situation where Emily Fox is contesting a duel in the pocket, sprints back fifty metres after losing it and then finds herself in a break with the goalkeeper! It shows her ability and her athletic for us. That right side for us can be so important, with and without the ball."

While Arsenal's WSL title hopes are very faint, with the Gunners six points behind Manchester City and three adrift of Chelsea (who have a game in hand), building for next season is important. And having a backline of Fox, Williamson, and Wubben-Moy, among others, could be a potent mix as they try to build on their Conti Cup triumph.

Arsenal's last three games of the WSL season start on Sunday away to Everton, followed by a trip to Manchester City on May 5, before rounding off their campaign at home to Brighton on May 18.