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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress In Loss

Should the London City coach required an example of how far the team have come in recent 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 Stamford Bridge and raised multiple challenges for the title holders. London City controlled nearly half the ball – perhaps more than expected – and registered the same number of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to September when we played other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur said. “What I like is that we start to see a team – this was the primary objective. We saw a team that defended and attacked together. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a motivational message to the squad as the search for their initial victory continues. After a further loss, this time by a single goal at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We have to battle through it. The message is evident. We’re working tirelessly to turn this into a better situation but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, currently, 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, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the away side played without any real bite as Tottenham mounted a recovery. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fade in games, certainly the priority for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can manage in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after losing to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for the national team. There was some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of making up the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted positively to begin,” the Seagulls' manager, the boss, remarked. “The players got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We could have added a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we managed today was encouraging, but we must become more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Loss at City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from West Ham’s display against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a result, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness was the team's undoing at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something from the game, and considering the playing time the players have had during the international break the attitude and desire from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Brace

A 94th-minute equaliser by the French forward saved the team's blushes as they shared the result in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker notched the first goal with her first goal of the season after a impressive Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by the defender tilted the pendulum the home side's favor, putting them in the lead, but the scorer arrived for Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s streak without a league victory now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Helps The Gunners Rediscover Spark

Arsenal secured their third consecutive win in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward added one more in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put the Gunners ahead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, ended her five-game drought with a double of her own. The team have appeared far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by Russo and Blackstenius created chaos and unleashed the slick and audacious style that most people anticipate given the squad's calibre. “We had some new partnerships on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” commented head coach, the boss, “but in my view it performed really well, 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