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London City Demonstrate Improvement Despite Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required a demonstration of how far his team have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's encounter against the champions offered just that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. London City commanded 43% of possession – perhaps above expectations – and registered the same number of shots on target (3), with a key attacker providing a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we played other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach said. “What I like is that we start to see a team – that was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and attacked as one. We still need to develop.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the search for their first points continues. 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 so hard to turn this into a improved position but it requires a bit of time and backing from everyone. Sadly, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and scoring chances – but after taking an advantage, the away side played without any real bite as Tottenham mounted a comeback. It was another concerning example of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in matches, certainly the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton proved they can manage without their temporary forward the injured attacker, even after losing to Manchester United. Agyemang was ruled out for the campaign last week after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for the national team. Existed apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of compensating for the scoring output by finding the net in the narrow loss. “The team reacted positively to begin,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players improved into the game, we got our pressure better. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We could have added a couple more goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to create the chances we managed in the match was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Positives Following Defeat at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner could take optimism from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, even with a 1-0 defeat. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a point, they adopted a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken anything from the game, and considering all the minutes the squad have had over the international break the attitude and desire from the players [was excellent], and the resilience as well,” Skinner noted. “We must change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward saved Everton’s reputation as they split the points in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The attacker notched the first goal with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Everton beginning. Villa drew level just before the break. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the pendulum Villa’s way, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for Everton’s rescue after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on several chances. Everton’s run absent a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Partnership's Magic Helps The Gunners Rediscover Spark

Arsenal recorded their third consecutive win in every tournament as the Swedish striker scored twice and the England forward added one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the season for the attacker, who set up Russo to put Arsenal the lead, then, following a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, ended her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. The team have appeared not quite title contenders but a dominant opening period by Russo and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the slick and bold style that fans anticipate considering the squad's calibre. “There were some new partnerships in the lineup today as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed really well, especially in the first half.”

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