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London City Showcase Improvement Despite Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of the progress his London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, Saturday's match against the champions provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to the champions, but London City impressed at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded 43% of possession – possibly more than expected – and managed the same number of attempts on goal (three), with a key attacker providing a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to September when we faced other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a cohesive unit – that was the primary objective. We saw a team that protected and pushed forward together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, the team's boss, issued a motivational message to the squad as the wait for their initial victory persists. Following another defeat, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Tottenham, he said: “We must fight our way out. The message is clear. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a improved position but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Sadly, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at the venue – with similar possession, chances created 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 the Reds’ tendency to fade in matches, surely the priority for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, despite losing to Manchester United. The forward was ruled out for the season last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for the national team. Existed some concern 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 3-2 defeat. “We responded positively to start,” Brighton’s manager, the boss, remarked. “The players improved into the game, we applied our pressing more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We could have scored a couple more goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to create all the opportunities we did in the match was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Encouragement After Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found optimism from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a point, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from attacking City. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be West Ham’s downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken something out of it, and considering all the minutes the players have had during the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” the manager said. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A 94th-minute equaliser by Kelly Gago saved Everton’s blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The French forward opened the scoring with her first goal of the season after a strong Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky own goal by Ruby Mace swung the momentum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to Everton’s rescue after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on several chances. The team's run without a league victory now extends to half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Helps Arsenal Find Spark

The North London side secured their third consecutive win in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward added another in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted Russo to give Arsenal the lead, then, after a the defender own goal, broke her five-game drought with a double of her own. Arsenal have appeared far from title contenders but a first-half rampage by Russo and Blackstenius caused havoc and revealed the fluent and audacious Arsenal that most people anticipate considering the team’s quality. “There were some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that needs to click,” commented head coach, Renée Slegers, “but I think it did really well, especially in the first half.”

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