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London City Lionesses Showcase Improvement Despite Loss

If the London City coach required an example of how far the London City Lionesses have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's encounter against the champions provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to the champions, but London City performed admirably at their opponent's ground and raised multiple challenges for the title holders. London City controlled nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and managed the same number of attempts on goal (three), with Isobel Goodwin offering a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to September when we played other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – that was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, issued a rallying call to his side as the search for their initial victory persists. Following a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the expense of Tottenham, he stated: “We have to battle through it. The message is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a better situation but it takes a bit of time and backing from everyone. Sadly, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and scoring chances – but after taking an early lead, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Tottenham executed a comeback. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ tendency to fade in games, surely the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton demonstrated they can manage without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, even after losing to Manchester United. Agyemang was ruled out for the season recently after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for the national team. There was apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the goals by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded positively to begin,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We got better into the game, we applied our pressing better. More positive, once more. We might have scored a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we did today was encouraging, but we need to be much better.”

Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, even with a 1-0 defeat. While the Hammers, bottom on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they took a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal was West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something out of it, and considering the playing time the players have had during the recent break the attitude and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager said. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Avoid Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s blushes as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the season after a strong Toffees start. Aston Villa drew level shortly prior to the break. The second half was end-to-end, as each side capitalized of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer came to the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. The team's streak absent a league victory now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Helps The Gunners Rediscover Spark

The North London side recorded their third consecutive win in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and Alessia Russo contributed one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to give the Gunners the lead, then, following a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her five-game drought with a double of her personal tally. Arsenal have looked not quite championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate created chaos and unleashed the fluent and bold Arsenal that most people expect given the team’s quality. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented manager, the boss, “but I think it performed exceptionally, especially 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