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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress In Loss

If Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of the progress his team have come in recent weeks, Saturday's match against the champions offered just that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but his side impressed at their opponent's ground and posed multiple challenges for their opponents. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – perhaps more than expected – and registered the same number of shots on target (three), with a key attacker providing a significant danger running in behind. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was very positive,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was the primary objective. We observed a team that protected and attacked as one. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s manager, Gareth Taylor, issued a motivational message to the squad as the wait for their initial victory continues. Following a further loss, this time 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is clear. We’re working tirelessly to turn this into a better situation but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and opportunities – but after taking an advantage, the away side played without any real bite as Spurs executed a recovery. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for Taylor to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to the Red Devils. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for England. Existed apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the scoring output by finding the net in the narrow loss. “We responded positively to begin,” Brighton’s manager, the boss, remarked. “We got better into the game, we got our pressure better. More positive, once more. We could have scored a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to have the chances we managed today was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Positives After Defeat at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found optimism from her team's performance against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they adopted a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking City. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be West Ham’s undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they get a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken anything out of it, and considering all the minutes the players have had over the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” the manager noted. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s reputation as they split the points in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Everton start. Aston Villa drew level shortly prior to the break. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side capitalized of the other’s leaky backline. An unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum Villa’s way, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on several chances. The team's run absent a WSL win now stands at six matches.

Duo’s Spark Aids Arsenal Find Spark

Arsenal recorded their third consecutive win in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and the England forward added another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for Blackstenius, who set up Russo to put the Gunners ahead, then, following a Sari Kees own goal, broke her five-game drought with a double of her personal tally. The team have looked not quite championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and bold Arsenal that most people anticipate considering the team’s calibre. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, the boss, “but I think it performed exceptionally, especially in the first half.”

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