🔗 Share this article

London City Demonstrate Improvement In Loss

If the London City coach needed an example of how far his team have come in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea provided just that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed multiple challenges for their opponents. London City commanded nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that protected and pushed forward as one. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

The Reds' manager, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to his side as the search for their first points continues. After another defeat, this time 2-1 at the expense 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 takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and opportunities – but after taking an early lead, the visitors played lacking intensity as Spurs mounted a recovery. It was a further worrying instance of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in games, certainly the priority for the coach to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward the injured attacker, despite losing to Manchester United. The forward was ruled out for the campaign recently after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for England. Existed apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike showed they are fully equipped of making up the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded quite well to start,” the Seagulls' manager, the boss, said. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. More positive, again. We might have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a very good defensive team, to create the chances we managed today was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Defeat at Manchester City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from West Ham’s display against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. While her team, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a result, they adopted a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they achieve a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something out of it, and considering the playing time the squad have had during the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We must turn things around.”

The Toffees Escape Self-Sabotage with Gago Brace

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward rescued the team's blushes as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the season after a impressive Everton beginning. Aston Villa drew level just before the break. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side capitalized of the other’s leaky backline. An unfortunate own goal by the defender swung the momentum the home side's favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run absent a WSL win now stands at six matches.

Partnership's Magic Aids Arsenal Find Form

Arsenal secured their third straight victory in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and Alessia Russo contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted 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. Arsenal have appeared far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and bold style that most people expect considering the team’s quality. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it performed really well, particularly in the first half.”

Women's Super League 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