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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Improvement In Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of the progress his London City Lionesses have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's encounter against Chelsea offered just that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – perhaps more than expected – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (3), with a key attacker offering a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to September when we played other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a team – this was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that defended and pushed forward together. We still need to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, issued a motivational message to his side as the search for their initial victory continues. After a further loss, this time by a single goal at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We must fight our way out. The message is evident. The team is striving so hard to transform this into a better situation but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Sadly, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, expected goals and opportunities – but after taking an advantage, the away side performed without any real bite as Spurs mounted a recovery. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ tendency to fade in matches, certainly the priority for Taylor to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, even after losing to the Red Devils. Agyemang was ruled out for the season recently after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for the national team. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of compensating for the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to start,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have added a few additional goals in the later stages. Facing a very good defensive team, to create all the opportunities we did today was good, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Defeat at City

Rehanne Skinner found optimism from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal differential, have not secured a result, they adopted a positive approach and were not hesitant from taking on their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal was West Ham’s undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something from the game, and after all the minutes the players have had over the international break the mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the resilience as well,” Skinner said. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

Everton Avoid Self-Sabotage with Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by the French forward saved the team's reputation as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Toffees start. Villa drew level shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unfortunate deflection by the defender swung the pendulum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for the Merseyside club's rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on several chances. The team's streak without a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Partnership's Spark Aids The Gunners Rediscover Spark

Arsenal recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward added another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who set up Russo to give the Gunners ahead, then, after a the defender own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. Arsenal have looked far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the fluent and audacious style that most people expect given the team’s quality. “There were some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, the boss, “but in my view it did exceptionally, 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