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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress In Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of how far the team have advanced in recent weeks, Saturday's match against the champions provided just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but his side impressed at Stamford Bridge and raised multiple challenges for the title holders. London City commanded nearly half the ball – perhaps more than expected – and registered the same number of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other top-four opposition, it was really good,” the coach commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and attacked together. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the search for their initial victory persists. After a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We have to battle through it. Our focus is clear. We’re working tirelessly to transform this into a improved position but it takes some patience and a bit of support. Sadly, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at the venue – with comparable ball control, expected goals and opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the away side played without any real bite as Tottenham mounted a comeback. It was a further worrying instance of Liverpool's propensity to fade in matches, certainly the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton proved they can manage without their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. Agyemang was ruled out for the season last week after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the national team. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are more than capable of compensating for the goals by finding the net in the narrow loss. “We responded positively to start,” Brighton’s manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “The players improved as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have added a couple more goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to create the chances we did in the match was encouraging, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Defeat at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner could take optimism from her team's display against Manchester City, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have yet to earn a point, they adopted a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from taking on their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they get a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken anything from the game, and considering the playing time the players have had during the international break the mindset and determination from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner noted. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A 94th-minute equaliser by Kelly Gago rescued the team's blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the season after a strong Toffees start. Villa equalised shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky deflection by the defender swung the pendulum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but the scorer came to Everton’s aid after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s run absent a league victory now stands at six matches.

Duo’s Magic Helps Arsenal Rediscover Spark

Arsenal recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and Alessia Russo contributed another in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who assisted her strike partner to put Arsenal the lead, then, following a the defender inadvertent strike, ended her five-game drought with two goals of her own. The team have appeared not quite championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and unleashed the slick and bold style that most people anticipate considering the team’s calibre. “There were some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” said head coach, the boss, “but I think it performed really well, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

Women's Super League 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