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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress Despite Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of the progress the London City Lionesses have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against the champions offered exactly that. It ended in a two-goal loss to the champions, but his side impressed at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. London City commanded 43% of possession – possibly more than expected – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (3), with a key attacker offering a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we faced other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was the primary objective. We saw a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' head coach, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to his side as the search for their initial victory continues. After another defeat, this time 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he said: “We must fight our way out. Our focus is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a improved position but it requires some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the away side performed lacking intensity as Tottenham executed a comeback. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in matches, certainly the priority for the coach to address if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton proved they can manage without their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, despite losing to the Red Devils. The forward was ruled out for the campaign last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for England. Existed apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike showed they are fully equipped of making up the goals by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded positively to start,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players improved as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. More positive, again. We might have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to create all the opportunities we did in the match was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found positives from her team's performance against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal differential, have not secured a point, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they get a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and considering the playing time the players have had during the international break the attitude and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner noted. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward saved the team's reputation as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The French forward notched the first goal with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Toffees start. Villa equalised shortly prior to the break. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky deflection by the defender tilted the momentum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but the scorer arrived for the Merseyside club's rescue after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on several chances. Everton’s run absent a WSL win now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Aids Arsenal Find Spark

The North London side secured their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward contributed one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a second start of the campaign for Blackstenius, who assisted Russo to give Arsenal ahead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, ended her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have appeared not quite title contenders but a first-half rampage by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and unleashed the slick and bold Arsenal that fans expect given the team’s quality. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” said manager, the boss, “but I think 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