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London City Lionesses Showcase Improvement Despite Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of how far the London City Lionesses have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's encounter against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. London City controlled 43% of possession – perhaps above expectations – and managed the same number of attempts on goal (three), with a key attacker offering a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” Prêcheur said. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that protected and attacked as one. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' head coach, the team's boss, delivered a rallying call to his side as the search for their first points continues. After a further loss, this time by a single goal at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We have to battle through it. Our focus is evident. We’re working tirelessly to turn this into a improved position but it requires a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at the venue – with similar possession, expected goals and opportunities – but after taking an advantage, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Tottenham mounted a recovery. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in games, certainly the priority for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can manage without their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after losing to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season last week after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for England. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby 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' head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players improved as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have scored a couple more goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to have all the opportunities we managed in the match was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Positives After Defeat at Manchester City

West Ham's coach could take positives from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. Although the Hammers, bottom on goal differential, have not secured a result, they took a attacking mindset and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be West Ham’s downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain something from the game, and considering the playing time the squad have had during 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 Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s reputation as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Toffees beginning. Villa drew level shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as both teams took advantage of the other’s leaky backline. An unfortunate deflection by the defender swung the momentum the home side's favor, putting them in the lead, but the scorer came to Everton’s aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on several chances. The team's streak absent a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Partnership's Spark Aids The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and Alessia Russo added another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put the Gunners ahead, then, following a Sari Kees own goal, ended her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. Arsenal have appeared not quite championship challengers but a first-half rampage by Russo and her teammate caused havoc and revealed the slick and bold style that fans expect given the team’s quality. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch in this match as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it did really well, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

Women's Super League 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