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London City Demonstrate Progress In Loss

If the London City coach needed a demonstration of the progress the London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, Saturday's encounter against Chelsea provided exactly that. It ended in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – perhaps above expectations – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger running in behind. “When we compare to September when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” the coach commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and attacked together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a motivational message to the squad as the wait for their initial victory persists. Following another defeat, this time by a single goal at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is clear. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a better situation but it requires a bit of time and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the visitors played without any real bite as Tottenham executed a comeback. It was a further concerning example of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in games, surely the priority for the coach to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton proved they can manage without their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign recently after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the national team. There was apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of compensating for the scoring output by finding the net in the narrow loss. “The team reacted positively to start,” Brighton’s head coach, the boss, remarked. “The players improved into the game, we got our pressure more effectively. More positive, once more. We could have added a couple more goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to create the chances we managed in the match was good, but we need to be much better.”

Skinner Finds Positives Following Defeat at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found optimism from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. While her team, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they took a positive approach and did not shy away 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 achieve a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken anything from the game, and after the playing time the players have had over the recent break the attitude and desire from the players [was excellent], and the resilience as well,” the manager said. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Self-Sabotage with Gago Double

A 94th-minute equaliser by Kelly Gago saved Everton’s blushes as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker notched the first goal with her maiden strike of the season after a strong Everton beginning. Villa drew level shortly prior to the break. The second half was end-to-end, as both teams capitalized of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace swung the momentum the home side's favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to Everton’s aid after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s streak without a league victory now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Spark Aids Arsenal Find Spark

The North London side secured their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward contributed one more in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a second start of the season for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to put the Gunners ahead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, ended her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. The team have looked not quite championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate created chaos and revealed the slick and audacious Arsenal that fans anticipate considering the team’s calibre. “There were fresh combinations on the pitch in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented manager, the boss, “but I think it performed exceptionally, particularly in the first half.”

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