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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress In Loss

Should the London City coach needed an example of how far the London City Lionesses have advanced in the past few weeks, Saturday's match against the champions provided just that. It ended in a two-goal loss to the champions, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed several questions for the title holders. London City controlled nearly half the ball – possibly above expectations – and registered the equal amount of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker providing a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We observed a team that protected and attacked together. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, the team's boss, issued a motivational message to the squad as the search for their first points continues. After another defeat, this time by a single goal at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We must fight our way out. Our focus is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to transform this into a better situation but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, 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 opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the visitors played without any real bite as Tottenham mounted a comeback. It was a further worrying instance of Liverpool's tendency to fade in matches, certainly the main focus for the coach to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for England. Existed apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the goals by finding the net in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to start,” Brighton’s head coach, the boss, said. “We got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. More positive, again. We could have scored a couple more goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to have the chances we managed today was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Skinner Takes Positives After Defeat at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found optimism from her team's display against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. Although the Hammers, bottom on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they took a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from taking on City. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be the team's undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken something from the game, and after all the minutes the squad have had during the recent break the mindset and desire from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” the manager said. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Self-Sabotage with Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by Kelly Gago saved Everton’s reputation as they split the result in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the season after a impressive Everton beginning. Aston Villa equalised just before half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unfortunate deflection by the defender tilted the pendulum the home side's favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on several chances. The team's streak without a league victory now extends to half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Aids Arsenal Find Spark

Arsenal secured their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and Alessia Russo added another in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who set up her strike partner to give the Gunners ahead, then, after a the defender own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with a double of her personal tally. Arsenal have looked far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the slick and bold style that most people expect given the team’s calibre. “There were some new partnerships on the pitch in this match as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it did really well, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

Women's Super League 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