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London City Showcase Improvement In Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of the progress the London City Lionesses have advanced in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against the champions offered just that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at their opponent's ground and raised several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – possibly above expectations – and managed the equal amount of attempts on goal (three), with a key attacker offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was really good,” Prêcheur said. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – this was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and attacked as one. We still need to develop.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, the team's boss, issued a motivational message to his side as the wait for their initial victory continues. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We must battle through it. Our focus is clear. The team is striving so hard to transform this into a improved position but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the visitors performed without any real bite as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was another worrying instance of Liverpool's tendency to fade in matches, certainly the priority for Taylor to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope without their temporary forward the injured attacker, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was ruled out for the campaign recently after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for England. There was some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are fully equipped of compensating for the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “The team reacted positively to begin,” the Seagulls' head coach, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, again. We could have added a couple more goals in the second half. Facing a very good defensive team, to create the chances we managed today was good, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Defeat at City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a point, they took a positive approach 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 achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something out of it, and after all the minutes the players have had during the recent break the mindset and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the season after a impressive Toffees start. Aston Villa drew level just before 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 the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on several chances. The team's streak without a WSL win now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Aids Arsenal Rediscover Form

Arsenal recorded 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 season for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to put Arsenal the lead, then, after a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, ended her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have looked far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate created chaos and revealed the slick and audacious Arsenal that fans anticipate considering the squad's calibre. “We had fresh combinations in the lineup today as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented manager, the boss, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, particularly 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