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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress Despite Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of how far the team have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. London City commanded 43% of possession – possibly above expectations – and managed the same number of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin providing a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to September when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we start to see a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward together. We still need to develop.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, the team's boss, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the wait for their first points persists. After a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the expense of Spurs, he said: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is evident. We’re working so hard to turn this into a improved position but it requires a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at the venue – with similar possession, expected goals and scoring chances – but after taking an advantage, the visitors performed without any real bite as Spurs executed a recovery. It was a further worrying instance of Liverpool's tendency to fade in matches, surely the main focus for Taylor to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season recently after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for England. Existed some concern about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the scoring output by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to begin,” Brighton’s head coach, the boss, remarked. “The players improved as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have scored a couple more goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to have the chances we did today was encouraging, but we need to be much better.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement After Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner could take positives from West Ham’s display against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. Although the Hammers, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a point, they adopted a positive approach and were not hesitant 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 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 mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

The Toffees Escape Self-Sabotage with Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward saved the team's reputation as they shared the result in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the season after a impressive Everton beginning. Aston Villa drew level just before the break. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side capitalized of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky own goal by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to Everton’s aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on several chances. Everton’s streak without a WSL win now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Spark Helps Arsenal Find Spark

Arsenal secured their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward added one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the season for the attacker, who assisted her strike partner to put the Gunners ahead, then, after a the defender own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. Arsenal have looked not quite title contenders but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and audacious style that fans anticipate considering the team’s quality. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that requires time to gel,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it did really well, especially 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