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London City Showcase Improvement In Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed a demonstration of the progress his team have come in recent weeks, the weekend's match against Chelsea provided just that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side impressed at Stamford Bridge and posed multiple challenges for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – perhaps above expectations – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin providing a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to September when we faced other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach said. “What I like is that we start to see a cohesive unit – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to the squad as the wait for their initial victory persists. After another defeat, this time 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “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 some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and opportunities – but after taking an advantage, the away side played without any real bite as Spurs executed a recovery. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for the coach to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Seike Plug Agyemang Gap

Brighton proved they can manage in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after losing to Manchester United. The forward was ruled out for the campaign recently after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for the national team. There was apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of making up the scoring output by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted quite well to start,” Brighton’s manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We improved as the match progressed, we got our pressure better. More positive, again. We could have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to have the chances we managed in the match was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Positives Following Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach found positives from her team's display against Manchester City, despite a 1-0 defeat. While her team, at the foot on goal difference, have yet to earn a point, they took a positive approach and did not shy away from taking on their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal was West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and after all the minutes the players have had during the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner noted. “We must turn things around.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Brace

A stoppage-time leveller by Kelly Gago saved the team's blushes as they shared the result in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Toffees beginning. Aston Villa drew level just before half-time. The second half was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum the home side's favor, putting them in the lead, but the scorer arrived for Everton’s rescue after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's streak absent a WSL win now stands at six matches.

Partnership's Magic Helps Arsenal Rediscover Spark

Arsenal recorded their third consecutive win in every tournament as the Swedish striker netted a brace and the England forward contributed one more in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who set up her strike partner to give the Gunners ahead, then, after a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, broke her five-game drought with two goals of her own. Arsenal have appeared not quite championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius caused havoc and revealed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people expect considering the squad's calibre. “We had fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented manager, the boss, “but I think it performed really well, 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