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London City Showcase Improvement In Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of the progress his team have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against the champions provided exactly that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded 43% of possession – possibly more than expected – and registered the same number of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to September when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was the primary objective. We observed a team that protected and attacked together. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s manager, Gareth Taylor, issued a motivational message to his side as the wait for their initial victory persists. Following a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is clear. The team is striving tirelessly to transform this into a better situation but it requires some patience and a bit of support. Sadly, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, expected goals and scoring chances – but after securing an early lead, the visitors played without any real bite as Spurs mounted a recovery. It was a further concerning example of Liverpool's propensity to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for Taylor to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Agyemang Void

Brighton demonstrated they can manage in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, despite losing to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the season last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the national team. There was apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “The team reacted quite well to start,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “The players got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. More positive, once more. We might have scored a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to have all the opportunities we managed today was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach could take positives from West Ham’s display against Manchester City, even with a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have not secured 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 City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken something out of it, and considering all the minutes the squad have had over 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 Escape Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward rescued the team's blushes as they shared the points in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward notched the first goal with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to the break. The remaining period was action-packed, as both teams capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the pendulum the home side's way, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer arrived for Everton’s aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run without a league victory now extends to six matches.

Duo’s Spark Aids The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side recorded 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 Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to give the Gunners the lead, then, following a Sari Kees own goal, broke her five-game drought with two goals of her own. The team have looked far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and revealed the slick and audacious Arsenal that most people expect considering the squad's calibre. “There were fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that requires time to gel,” said head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

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