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London City Demonstrate Progress In Defeat

Should the London City coach required an example of the progress the London City Lionesses have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against the champions offered exactly that. It ended in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City impressed at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for their opponents. London City commanded 43% of possession – possibly above expectations – and managed the same number of attempts on goal (three), with a key attacker offering a particular threat 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 – this was the primary objective. We saw a team that protected and attacked together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the wait for their first points continues. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the expense of Tottenham, he stated: “We must battle through it. Our focus is evident. The team is striving so hard to transform this into a better situation but it requires a bit of time and a bit of support. Sadly, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the away side performed lacking intensity as Tottenham mounted a recovery. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in games, certainly the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward the injured attacker, even after suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the national team. Existed apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike showed they are more than capable of compensating for the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded positively to begin,” the Seagulls' head coach, the boss, said. “We improved into the game, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We could have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to have the chances we managed in the match was good, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Defeat at City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from her team's display against Manchester City, despite a 1-0 defeat. While her team, bottom on goal differential, have not secured a point, they adopted a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness was the team's undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they get a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain anything from the game, and after all the minutes the squad have had during the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Avoid Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by Kelly Gago rescued 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 season after a impressive Toffees beginning. Aston Villa drew level just before half-time. The second half was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace swung the momentum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer came to Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on several chances. Everton’s run without a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Partnership's Magic Helps The Gunners Rediscover Form

The North London side secured their third straight victory in every tournament as the Swedish striker scored twice and the England forward added one more in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who set up her strike partner to give the Gunners the lead, then, following a the defender own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her own. The team have looked far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and her teammate created chaos and revealed the fluent and bold style that most people anticipate considering the team’s calibre. “We had some new partnerships on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it did 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