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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress Despite Loss

If the London City coach needed a demonstration of how far his team have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's encounter against the champions provided just that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but his side impressed at their opponent's ground and raised several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses commanded 43% of possession – perhaps above expectations – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (three), with a key attacker providing a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to September when we faced other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” Prêcheur said. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a team – this was the primary objective. We observed a team that protected and attacked as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, Gareth Taylor, issued a motivational message to the squad as the wait for their first points persists. After a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the hands of Tottenham, he stated: “We must battle through it. The message is evident. 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, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at the venue – with similar possession, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the away side 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 the coach to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was ruled out for the campaign last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. Existed apprehension about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted quite well to begin,” Brighton’s manager, the boss, said. “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 the chances we did in the match was encouraging, but we need to be much better.”

Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found optimism from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have yet to earn a result, they took a attacking mindset and did not shy away from taking on their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain anything out of it, and considering all the minutes the squad have had over the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward rescued the team's blushes as they shared the points in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Everton beginning. Villa equalised shortly prior to the break. The second half was action-packed, as each side capitalized of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by the defender swung the momentum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run absent a league victory now extends to half a dozen games.

Duo’s Magic Aids Arsenal Find Form

The North London side secured their third straight victory in all competitions as the Swedish striker scored twice and Alessia Russo added one more in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a second start of the campaign for the attacker, who set up Russo to put the Gunners the lead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, ended her five-game drought with two goals of her personal tally. Arsenal have appeared far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people anticipate given the team’s quality. “There were some new partnerships on the pitch in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it performed 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