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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress Despite Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed a demonstration of how far the London City Lionesses have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against the champions provided just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and raised several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses controlled 43% of possession – possibly above expectations – and registered the equal amount of attempts on goal (three), with a key attacker providing a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a team – that was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and attacked as one. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the search for their initial victory continues. After a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the hands of Spurs, he said: “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 requires some patience and a bit of support. Unfortunately, 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 similar possession, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the away side played lacking intensity as Spurs executed a recovery. It was a further concerning example of the Reds’ propensity to fade in games, certainly the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton demonstrated they can manage without their on-loan striker the injured attacker, despite suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for England. Existed some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are fully equipped of compensating for the goals by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted quite well to begin,” the Seagulls' head coach, the boss, said. “We improved as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We might have scored a couple more goals in the later stages. Facing a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we did today was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found positives from West Ham’s display against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have yet to earn a point, they took a attacking mindset 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 not taken something from the game, and after all the minutes the players have had during the international break the attitude and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Brace

A 94th-minute equaliser by the French forward saved Everton’s reputation as they split the points in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Toffees beginning. Villa drew level just before half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unlucky own goal by the defender swung the momentum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago 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 stands at half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Aids The Gunners Rediscover Form

The North London side secured their third consecutive win in all competitions as the Swedish striker scored twice and the England forward added another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the season for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to put Arsenal ahead, then, after a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, ended her five-game drought with a double of her own. Arsenal have appeared far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and unleashed the fluent and bold style that most people expect given the team’s quality. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup today as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, the boss, “but I think it performed really well, especially in the first half.”

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