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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress In Loss

If Jocelyn Prêcheur needed a demonstration of the progress his London City Lionesses have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to the champions, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and raised multiple challenges for their opponents. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – possibly above expectations – and managed the same number of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to earlier in the season when we faced other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We saw a team that defended and pushed forward together. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

The Reds' head coach, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to the squad as the wait for their first points persists. After another defeat, on this occasion by a single goal at the hands of Spurs, he said: “We must fight our way out. The message is evident. We’re working tirelessly to transform this into a improved position but it requires some patience and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the away side performed without any real bite as Spurs executed a comeback. It was a further concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fade in games, surely the priority for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Seike Plug Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. 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 some concern about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved 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,” Brighton’s manager, the boss, remarked. “We improved as the match progressed, we got our pressure better. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have scored a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to create all the opportunities we managed in the match was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Defeat at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner found optimism from her team's performance against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a result, they adopted a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from attacking their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be West Ham’s downfall at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken anything out of it, and after the playing time the players have had during the international break the attitude and determination from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner noted. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Brace

A 94th-minute leveller by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s blushes as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the season after a impressive Toffees beginning. Aston Villa drew level shortly prior to the break. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unfortunate deflection by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum Villa’s favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago came to Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run absent a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Duo’s Magic Aids The Gunners Rediscover Form

Arsenal secured their third straight victory in every tournament as the Swedish striker scored twice and the England forward contributed another in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put the Gunners ahead, then, following a the defender own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. The team have appeared far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and unleashed the fluent and bold 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,” commented manager, the boss, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

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