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London City Showcase Progress In Defeat

Should the London City coach required a demonstration of the progress the team have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against the champions offered exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to the champions, but his side impressed at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. London City controlled nearly half the ball – perhaps above expectations – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (three), with a key attacker offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to September when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur said. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and attacked together. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s head coach, Gareth Taylor, issued a motivational message to his side as the search for their first points continues. After a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the hands of Tottenham, he stated: “We have to battle through it. Our focus is evident. The team is striving so hard to turn this into a improved position but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and opportunities – but after taking an advantage, the away side played lacking intensity as Tottenham executed a recovery. It was a further concerning example of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in matches, certainly the priority for Taylor to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward the injured attacker, despite losing to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season last week after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for the national team. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are fully equipped of compensating for the scoring output by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded positively to start,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “We improved into the game, we got our pressure better. More positive, again. We might have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to have the chances we did today was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement After Defeat at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found optimism from West Ham’s display against the Sky Blues, even with a single-goal loss. While the Hammers, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a point, they took a positive approach and did not shy away from taking on City. A inefficiency in front of goal was West Ham’s undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken anything out of it, and considering all the minutes the players have had over the recent break the attitude and desire from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Brace

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago saved the team's blushes as they split the points in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The attacker notched the first goal with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Toffees start. Aston Villa drew level shortly prior to the break. The second half was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum Villa’s favor, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer came to the Merseyside club's rescue after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run without a league victory now stands at half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Helps Arsenal Rediscover Form

Arsenal secured their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted Russo to give Arsenal the lead, then, following a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, ended her five-game drought with two goals of her personal tally. Arsenal have looked not quite title contenders but a dominant opening period by Russo and Blackstenius caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and bold Arsenal that most people anticipate given the squad's quality. “There were fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed really well, especially 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