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London City Demonstrate Improvement In Defeat

Should the London City coach needed an example of how far the team have advanced in the past few weeks, Saturday's encounter against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to the champions, but his side performed admirably at their opponent's ground and posed several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled 43% of possession – perhaps more than expected – and managed the same number of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker offering a significant danger running in behind. “When we compare to September when we faced other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur said. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that protected and pushed forward as one. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the search for their initial victory continues. Following another defeat, on this occasion 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. The message is clear. We’re working so hard to transform this into a improved position but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Sadly, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Spurs executed a comeback. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fall away in games, surely the priority for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was ruled out for the season recently after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the national team. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international proved they are more than capable of making up the scoring output by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded quite well to begin,” Brighton’s head coach, the boss, said. “The players improved into the game, we got our pressure better. More positive, once more. We might have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a very good defensive team, to create the chances we did today was encouraging, but we need to be more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Defeat at City

Rehanne Skinner could take positives from West Ham’s display against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. While her team, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a result, they took a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from taking on City. 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 positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain anything from the game, and considering the playing time the squad have had over the international break the mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager said. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Self-Sabotage with Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by the French forward saved the team's blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker 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 second half was action-packed, as both teams took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum Villa’s way, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer arrived for Everton’s aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s run absent a WSL win now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Aids The Gunners Find Form

The North London side recorded their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward added one more in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for Blackstenius, who set up Russo to give Arsenal ahead, then, following a the defender own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. The team have appeared not quite championship challengers but a first-half rampage by Russo and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people expect considering the team’s calibre. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, the boss, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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