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London City Lionesses Demonstrate Improvement Despite Loss

If the London City coach needed a demonstration of how far the team have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against the champions offered exactly that. It ended in a two-goal loss to the champions, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised multiple challenges for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled 43% of possession – possibly more than expected – and registered the same number of attempts on goal (three), with Isobel Goodwin offering a particular threat running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we faced other top-four opposition, it was really good,” the coach said. “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 FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, Gareth Taylor, issued a rallying call to the squad as the search for their first points continues. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Tottenham, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is evident. We’re working tirelessly to transform this into a better situation but it requires 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 even encounter at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and scoring chances – but after taking an early lead, the away side performed without any real bite as Tottenham mounted a comeback. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season recently after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. There was apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international proved they are more than capable of compensating for the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted positively to start,” the Seagulls' head coach, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “The players got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. More positive, once more. We might have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to create the chances we managed in the match was good, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner could take positives from her team's display against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. While the Hammers, bottom on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they took a attacking mindset and did not shy away from taking on City. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they get a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and considering the playing time the players have had during the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by Kelly Gago rescued the team's reputation as they shared the result in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The French forward notched the first goal with her first goal of the season after a strong Everton start. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the other’s porous defence. An unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum Villa’s favor, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer arrived for Everton’s aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on several chances. Everton’s streak absent a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Duo’s Magic Aids Arsenal Find Form

The North London side secured their third consecutive win in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward added one more in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for Blackstenius, who set up Russo to give Arsenal the lead, then, following a the defender own goal, ended her goal-scoring slump with a double of her personal tally. Arsenal have appeared not quite title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius caused havoc and unleashed the slick and audacious style that fans anticipate considering the squad's quality. “We had fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it performed really well, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

Women's Super League 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