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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress Despite Defeat

If the London City coach required an example of the progress his 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 their opponent's ground and raised multiple challenges for the title holders. The Lionesses controlled 43% of possession – possibly above expectations – and managed the same number of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was really good,” Prêcheur said. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – this was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' head coach, Gareth Taylor, issued a motivational message to his side as the search for their first points persists. Following a further loss, this time by a single goal at the hands of Tottenham, he stated: “We must battle through it. The message is evident. We’re working so hard to turn this into a improved position but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at the venue – with similar possession, expected goals and opportunities – but after taking an advantage, the away side played without any real bite as Tottenham executed a comeback. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in matches, certainly the priority for the coach to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward the injured attacker, even after losing to the Red Devils. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for the national team. There was some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are more than capable of making up the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to begin,” Brighton’s manager, the boss, remarked. “We got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. More positive, once more. We might have added a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to create all the opportunities we did today was encouraging, but we need to be more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement After Defeat at City

Rehanne Skinner could take positives from West Ham’s display against the Sky Blues, even with a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a result, they took a positive approach and did not shy away from taking on their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal was West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something from the game, and after the playing time the squad have had over the recent break the attitude and desire from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner noted. “We must change our fortunes.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago saved the team's reputation as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the season after a strong Everton beginning. Villa equalised just before half-time. The second half was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the pendulum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but the scorer came to Everton’s rescue after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s streak absent a league victory now stands at six matches.

Duo’s Magic Aids The Gunners Rediscover Spark

The North London side secured their third straight victory in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward contributed another in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who set up Russo to give the Gunners the lead, then, following a the defender own goal, 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 the forward and Blackstenius caused havoc and revealed the fluent and bold style that fans expect given the team’s quality. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented head coach, Renée Slegers, “but I think it performed really well, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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