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London City Showcase Progress In Loss

Should the London City coach needed a demonstration of the progress the London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, Saturday's encounter against the champions provided exactly that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised multiple challenges for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (3), with a key attacker offering a particular threat with her forward runs. “Compared to September when we played other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that protected and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

The Reds' head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the search for their first points persists. Following a further loss, this time 2-1 at the hands of Tottenham, he stated: “We must fight our way out. The message is clear. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a improved position but it takes some patience and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an early lead, the visitors performed without any real bite as Spurs executed a recovery. It was a further worrying instance of Liverpool's propensity to fall away in games, certainly the priority for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. Agyemang was ruled out for the season last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. There was apprehension about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are fully equipped of compensating for the scoring output by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded quite well to begin,” Brighton’s manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure better. More positive, again. We could have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to create all the opportunities we managed in the match was encouraging, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement After Defeat at City

West Ham's coach could take positives from her team's performance against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a result, they adopted a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness was the team's downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something out of it, and after all the minutes the players have had over the recent break the attitude and desire from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Escape Self-Sabotage with Gago Brace

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward saved the team's reputation as they shared the result in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Everton start. Aston Villa equalised just before the break. The second half was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the other’s porous defence. An unfortunate deflection by the defender tilted the pendulum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run without a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Aids The Gunners Rediscover Spark

The North London side secured their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward added one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who set up Russo to put the Gunners ahead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, ended her five-game drought with a double of her own. Arsenal have appeared far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate created chaos and revealed the slick and audacious style that fans anticipate considering the team’s calibre. “We had some new partnerships on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, the boss, “but I think it performed exceptionally, particularly in the first half.”

WSL Standings

Pos	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Chelsea Women	7	11	19
2	Man City Women	7	10	18
3	Man Utd Women	7	14	17
4	Tottenham Hotspur Women	7	1	15
5	Arsenal Women	7	10	14
6	London City Lionesses	7	-9	9
7	Brighton & Hove Albion Women	7	0	7
8	Aston Villa Women	6	0	7
9	Everton Women	7	-4	5
10	Leicester Women	7	-8	5
11	Liverpool FC Women	6	-9	0
12	West Ham Women	7	-16	0