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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Improvement In Defeat

If Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of how far the team have come in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea offered exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. London City controlled nearly half the ball – possibly above expectations – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (three), with a key attacker providing a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was very positive,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that protected and pushed forward together. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

The Reds' head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the search for their initial victory persists. Following a further loss, this time 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he said: “We have to fight our way out. The message is clear. The team is striving so hard to transform this into a better situation but it takes a bit of time and backing from everyone. Sadly, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and scoring chances – but after taking an advantage, the visitors played lacking intensity as Tottenham mounted a recovery. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ propensity to fade in matches, certainly the priority for the coach to address if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton demonstrated they can manage without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season recently after suffering a serious knee injury while representing for England. Existed apprehension about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international proved they are more than capable of compensating for the scoring output by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to begin,” the Seagulls' head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. More positive, once more. We might have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to have the chances we did today was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner could take optimism from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have yet to earn a result, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from taking on their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken anything out of it, and after all the minutes the players have had during the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was excellent], and the resilience as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Brace

A 94th-minute leveller by Kelly Gago saved Everton’s reputation as they shared the result in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The French forward notched the first goal with her first goal of the season after a strong Everton beginning. Aston Villa drew level just before half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unlucky own goal by Ruby Mace swung the momentum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago arrived for Everton’s aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on several chances. The team's streak absent a league victory now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Spark Aids The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side recorded their third consecutive win in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and Alessia Russo contributed one more in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a second start of the season for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to put Arsenal the lead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her own. Arsenal have appeared far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by Russo and Blackstenius caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and bold style that most people anticipate given the team’s calibre. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” said head coach, Renée Slegers, “but I think it did really well, particularly in the first half.”

WSL League Table

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