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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress Despite Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of how far the London City Lionesses have advanced in recent weeks, the weekend's encounter against Chelsea offered exactly that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that protected and pushed forward as one. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, the team's boss, issued a motivational message to his side as the wait for their first points persists. Following another defeat, this time 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We must fight our way out. The message is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to transform this into a better situation but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at the venue – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an early lead, the away side played without any real bite as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in matches, certainly the main focus for Taylor to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Agyemang Void

Brighton proved they can manage without their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after losing to the Red Devils. Agyemang was ruled out for the campaign last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for England. There was apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international showed they are fully equipped of making up the goals by finding the net in the narrow loss. “The team reacted quite well to start,” Brighton’s manager, the boss, said. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. More positive, once more. We could have added a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to have all the opportunities we managed in the match was good, but we need to be much better.”

Skinner Takes Positives After Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner could take optimism from her team's display against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have yet to earn a point, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking City. A inefficiency in front of goal was the team's downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they achieve a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something from the game, and after all the minutes the squad have had during the international break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” the manager noted. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward rescued the team's blushes as they shared the result in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker notched the first goal with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Toffees beginning. Villa drew level shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unlucky own goal by the defender tilted the pendulum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for Everton’s aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run without a league victory now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Helps The Gunners Rediscover Spark

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and Alessia Russo contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for Blackstenius, who assisted her strike partner to give Arsenal the lead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, ended her five-game drought with a double of her personal tally. The team have looked not quite championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and revealed the fluent and audacious style that fans expect given the squad's calibre. “There were some new partnerships in the lineup today as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, the boss, “but I think it did exceptionally, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

WSL 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