🔗 Share this article

London City Lionesses Demonstrate Improvement Despite Loss

Should the London City coach required a demonstration of the progress his team have come in recent weeks, Saturday's encounter against the champions offered just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – perhaps above expectations – and managed the same number of shots on target (3), with a key attacker providing a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to September when we faced other top-four opposition, it was really good,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a team – that was the primary objective. We saw a team that protected and pushed forward together. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to the squad as the search for their initial victory continues. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Tottenham, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. The message is clear. The team is striving so hard to transform this into a better situation but it requires some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the away side played lacking intensity as Spurs executed a comeback. It was a further concerning example of Liverpool's propensity to fall away in matches, surely the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope without their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after losing to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the national team. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted quite well to begin,” the Seagulls' manager, the boss, remarked. “We improved into the game, we applied our pressing more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We could have scored a couple more goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to create all the opportunities we did in the match was encouraging, but we need to be more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner could take optimism from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, even with a 1-0 defeat. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a result, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from taking on their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal was the team's downfall at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they achieve a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain anything out of it, and considering the playing time the squad have had over the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner noted. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

Everton Escape Self-Sabotage with Gago Brace

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward rescued the team's reputation as they split the result in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The French forward notched the first goal with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Toffees start. Aston Villa drew level shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the other’s leaky backline. An unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum Villa’s favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago arrived for Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run absent a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Spark Helps The Gunners Find Spark

Arsenal recorded their third consecutive win in every tournament as the Swedish striker netted a brace and the England forward added another in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the season for the attacker, who set up Russo to give the Gunners ahead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. Arsenal have appeared far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and her teammate created chaos and unleashed the fluent and bold Arsenal that most people expect given the team’s quality. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch in this match as well, so that needs to click,” commented head coach, the boss, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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