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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Improvement Despite Loss

Should the London City coach needed a demonstration of the progress his team have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's encounter against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – perhaps more than expected – and managed the same number of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin providing a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward together. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, the team's boss, delivered a motivational message to his side as the search for their initial victory continues. After a further loss, this time 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he said: “We must fight our way out. Our focus is clear. We’re working tirelessly to transform this into a improved position but it requires some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the visitors performed without any real bite as Tottenham mounted a comeback. It was a further concerning example of Liverpool's propensity to fall away in matches, certainly the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Seike Plug Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the campaign recently after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are fully equipped of making up the goals by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted positively to begin,” Brighton’s head coach, the boss, remarked. “We got better into the game, we applied our pressing better. More positive, again. We might have scored a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to have the chances we did today was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement After Loss at City

West Ham's coach found optimism from her team's performance against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. While her team, bottom on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from taking on their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be the team's undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and considering the playing time the players have had over the recent break the attitude and desire from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Brace

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward saved Everton’s blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Toffees start. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to the break. The second half was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum Villa’s way, putting them in the lead, but the scorer arrived for Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run without a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Helps The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side recorded their third consecutive win in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and the England forward contributed one more in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the season for Blackstenius, who assisted Russo to give the Gunners ahead, then, following a the defender own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her own. Arsenal have looked far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by Russo and her teammate created chaos and unleashed the slick and audacious Arsenal that most people expect given the squad's quality. “There were fresh combinations on the pitch in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” said manager, the boss, “but I think it performed exceptionally, especially in the first half.”

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