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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress Despite Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of the progress the London City Lionesses have advanced in the past few weeks, Saturday's encounter against the champions provided exactly that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed multiple challenges for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – perhaps more than expected – and managed the same number of attempts on goal (three), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to earlier in the season when we faced other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach commented. “What I like is that we start to see a cohesive unit – that was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, issued a rallying call to his side as the search for their initial victory persists. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We must fight our way out. The message is clear. We’re working tirelessly to turn this into a better situation but it takes some patience and a bit of support. Sadly, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an early lead, the away side performed without any real bite as Spurs executed a recovery. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fade in games, certainly the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can manage in the absence of their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season recently after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the national team. There was some concern about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike showed they are fully equipped of making up the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded positively to start,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players improved into the game, we applied our pressing more effectively. More positive, once more. We could have scored a couple more goals in the later stages. Against a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we did in the match was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Loss at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner found optimism from West Ham’s display against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. Although her team, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a result, they took a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from attacking City. A inefficiency in front of goal was the team's undoing at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they achieve a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something from the game, and after the playing time the players have had over the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner noted. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Escape Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by Kelly Gago saved the team's reputation as they shared the result in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Everton start. Villa drew level just before half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as both teams capitalized of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by the defender tilted the momentum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago came to Everton’s aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run without a league victory now stands at six matches.

Partnership's Spark Aids The Gunners Rediscover Form

The North London side secured their third consecutive win in every tournament as the Swedish striker scored twice and the England forward contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for Blackstenius, who assisted Russo to put the Gunners ahead, then, following a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, ended her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. The team have looked far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate created chaos and unleashed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people expect considering the team’s quality. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” said head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

WSL 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