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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress In Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of how far his London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, the weekend's match against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City impressed at Stamford Bridge and posed several questions for their opponents. London City controlled nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and managed the same number of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin providing a significant danger running in behind. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a team – this was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that protected and pushed forward together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the wait for their first points persists. Following a further loss, this time 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We have to battle through it. The message is evident. We’re working tirelessly to transform this into a improved position but it takes some patience and a bit of support. Sadly, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Spurs executed a comeback. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in matches, certainly the priority for Taylor to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can manage in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after losing to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. Existed apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are more than capable of compensating for the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted positively to start,” the Seagulls' head coach, the boss, said. “The players got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. More positive, once more. We could have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to create all the opportunities we managed in the match was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Positives Following Loss at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner found optimism from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although the Hammers, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a point, they adopted a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and considering all the minutes the squad have had over the recent break the mindset and desire from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” the manager noted. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago rescued the team's reputation as they shared the result in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the season after a strong Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised just before half-time. The second half was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky own goal by the defender swung the momentum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run without a WSL win now stands at half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Aids Arsenal Rediscover Form

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and the England forward contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the campaign for Blackstenius, who set up Russo to give the Gunners the lead, then, following a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, ended her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have appeared not quite championship challengers but a first-half rampage by Russo and Blackstenius created chaos and unleashed the fluent and audacious Arsenal that fans expect given the team’s quality. “We had fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that needs to click,” commented head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it did exceptionally, particularly in the first half.”

WSL 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