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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress Despite Defeat

If the London City coach needed an example of how far the team have come in the past few weeks, Saturday's match against the champions provided just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. London City commanded 43% of possession – perhaps above expectations – and managed the same number of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin providing a particular threat running in behind. “When we compare to September when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” the coach commented. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – this was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward together. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, delivered a motivational message to his side as the wait for their first points continues. Following a further loss, this time by a single goal at the hands of Tottenham, he said: “We must battle through it. Our focus is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to transform this into a improved position but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the away side played lacking intensity as Spurs executed a recovery. It was a further worrying instance of the Reds’ tendency to fade in games, surely the main focus for the coach to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was ruled out for the campaign last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for England. Existed apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of compensating for the goals by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded quite well to start,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “The players got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure better. More positive, once more. We might have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to create all the opportunities we managed today was good, but we must become much better.”

Skinner Finds Positives Following Defeat at City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, even with a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, bottom on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they adopted a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from taking on City. A inefficiency in front of goal was the team's undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken anything from the game, and considering all the minutes the players have had during the international break the mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the resilience as well,” the manager said. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward saved Everton’s blushes as they split the result in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Everton beginning. Villa equalised shortly prior to half-time. The second half was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unfortunate deflection by the defender swung the pendulum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for the Merseyside club's rescue after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. The team's run absent a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Duo’s Magic Helps The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side secured their third straight victory in every tournament as the Swedish striker scored twice and Alessia Russo added one more in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put Arsenal the lead, then, following a Sari Kees own goal, broke her five-game drought with two goals of her own. Arsenal have appeared far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius caused havoc and revealed the fluent and bold style that fans anticipate given the squad's calibre. “We had some new partnerships on the pitch in this match as well, so that needs to click,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it did really well, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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