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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Improvement Despite Defeat

If Jocelyn Prêcheur required a demonstration of how far the London City Lionesses have advanced in recent weeks, Saturday's encounter against the champions provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but his side impressed at their opponent's ground and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded 43% of possession – perhaps above expectations – and registered the same number of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin providing a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” the coach commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the search for their first points continues. After a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Tottenham, he said: “We must fight our way out. The message is clear. We’re working so hard to transform this into a improved position but it requires some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the visitors played lacking intensity as Spurs executed a recovery. It was a further concerning example of Liverpool's propensity to fade in games, certainly the main focus for Taylor to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for England. Existed apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of making up the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to begin,” Brighton’s manager, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players got better into the game, we applied our pressing more effectively. More positive, again. We might have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we managed in the match was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found positives from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. While her team, bottom on goal difference, have yet to earn a result, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from taking on City. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be the team's downfall 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 something from the game, and considering the playing time the squad have had over the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward saved the team's reputation as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The French forward notched the first goal with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Toffees start. Aston Villa drew level just before half-time. The second half was action-packed, as both teams capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky deflection by the defender tilted the momentum the home side's way, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's rescue after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s streak absent a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Partnership's Magic Helps Arsenal Rediscover Spark

Arsenal recorded their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward contributed one more in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for the attacker, who set up Russo to put Arsenal the lead, then, following a the defender inadvertent strike, ended her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. Arsenal have appeared not quite title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and audacious style that most people anticipate given the squad's calibre. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup today as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it did exceptionally, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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