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London City Lionesses Showcase Progress Despite Defeat

If Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of the progress the London City Lionesses have advanced in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea offered just that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – perhaps above expectations – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin providing a particular threat running in behind. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that defended and attacked together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s manager, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to his side as the wait for their initial victory persists. Following another defeat, on this occasion by a single goal at the expense of Spurs, he said: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is evident. We’re working tirelessly to transform this into a better situation but it takes some patience and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at the venue – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after taking an advantage, the visitors played without any real bite as Tottenham mounted a recovery. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for the coach to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the season recently after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing for the national team. Existed some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are more than capable of making up the goals by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted quite well to begin,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “We improved into the game, we got our pressure better. More positive, again. We could have added a couple more goals in the later stages. Facing a very good defensive team, to create the chances we did in the match was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Positives Following Defeat at City

West Ham's coach found positives from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. Although her team, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a point, they took a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s downfall at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain anything out of it, and after the playing time the players have had over the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the resilience as well,” Skinner noted. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Escape Self-Sabotage with Gago Double

A 94th-minute equaliser by Kelly Gago saved Everton’s reputation as they split the result in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to the break. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace tilted the pendulum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for the Merseyside club's rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. The team's streak without a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Spark Aids The Gunners Find Spark

Arsenal secured their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward added another in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a second start of the campaign for the attacker, who set up Russo to give the Gunners the lead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, broke her five-game drought with a double of her personal tally. The team have looked far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and her teammate created chaos and revealed the fluent and audacious Arsenal that fans expect given the team’s calibre. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup today as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, Renée Slegers, “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