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London City Showcase Progress In Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of the progress his London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, Saturday's encounter against Chelsea offered exactly that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and posed several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – perhaps above expectations – and managed the equal amount of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker providing a particular threat with her forward runs. “Compared to earlier in the season when we played other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a cohesive unit – that was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and attacked as one. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a motivational message to his side as the search for their first points persists. Following another defeat, this time 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We must battle through it. Our focus is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a better situation but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and scoring chances – but after taking an early lead, the visitors played lacking intensity as Spurs executed a recovery. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for the coach to address if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the national team. Existed apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international showed they are fully equipped of compensating for the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to start,” the Seagulls' head coach, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure better. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have scored a couple more goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to create all the opportunities we managed in the match was encouraging, but we must become more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Positives Following Defeat at City

West Ham's coach could take positives from West Ham’s display against Manchester City, despite a 1-0 defeat. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a result, they took a attacking mindset and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be the team's undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain anything out of it, and considering all the minutes the squad have had over the international break the mindset and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” the manager noted. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s reputation as they shared the points in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward notched the first goal with her first goal of the season after a strong Everton start. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to the break. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams capitalized of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for Everton’s aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on several chances. Everton’s streak absent a league victory now stands at six matches.

Partnership's Magic Aids The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side recorded their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward added one more in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to put Arsenal the lead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her goal-scoring slump with a double of her personal tally. The team have appeared not quite championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate created chaos and unleashed the fluent and audacious style that most people anticipate given the squad's quality. “There were some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” said manager, the boss, “but I think it performed exceptionally, especially in the first half.”

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