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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress In Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of how far his team have come in recent weeks, Saturday's match against the champions provided exactly that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and posed several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – perhaps more than expected – and registered the equal amount of attempts on goal (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur said. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – this was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that defended and attacked together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the search for their first points continues. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. The message is clear. The team is striving so hard to turn this into a better situation but it requires some patience and a bit of support. Sadly, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Tottenham mounted a recovery. It was a further concerning example of Liverpool's propensity to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for the coach to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Agyemang Void

Brighton demonstrated they can manage without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. Agyemang was ruled out for the campaign recently after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for England. Existed apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike showed they are fully equipped of making up the goals by finding the net in the narrow loss. “The team reacted quite well to start,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “We got better into the game, we got our pressure better. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we did today was encouraging, but we need to be much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Loss at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner found optimism from her team's display against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. Although her team, at the foot on goal differential, have not secured a point, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from taking on City. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they get a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain anything from the game, and considering all the minutes the players have had over the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We must change our fortunes.”

Everton Avoid Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Brace

A 94th-minute leveller by Kelly Gago saved Everton’s reputation as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Everton start. Aston Villa equalised just before half-time. The second half was action-packed, as each side capitalized of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum Villa’s way, putting them in the lead, but the scorer came to Everton’s aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run without a league victory now extends to six matches.

Duo’s Magic Aids The Gunners Find Form

The North London side secured their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward contributed one more in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the season for Blackstenius, who set up Russo to put the Gunners ahead, then, following a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her five-game drought with two goals of her personal tally. Arsenal have appeared far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate created chaos and unleashed the slick and audacious style that most people anticipate given the team’s quality. “We had fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that needs to click,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it did exceptionally, particularly 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