🔗 Share this article

London City Lionesses Showcase Improvement Despite Defeat

If Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of the progress his London City Lionesses have come in the past few weeks, Saturday's encounter against the champions offered exactly that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. London City controlled nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (three), with a key attacker providing a particular threat running in behind. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a team – this was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that protected and pushed forward as one. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a motivational message to his side as the search for their first points persists. After another defeat, this time by a single goal at the expense of Tottenham, he said: “We must fight our way out. The message is clear. The team is striving so hard to turn this into a better situation but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at the venue – with similar possession, expected goals and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the away side performed without any real bite as Spurs mounted a recovery. It was a further concerning example of the Reds’ propensity to fade in games, certainly the main focus for the coach to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Agyemang Gap

Brighton proved they can manage in the absence of their temporary forward the injured attacker, despite losing to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign recently after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for the national team. There was apprehension about the team's response, but the experienced forward 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 begin,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “We improved into the game, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We could have added a few additional goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to have the chances we managed in the match was encouraging, but we need to be more clinical.”

Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner found positives from her team's performance against Manchester City, even with a 1-0 defeat. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from attacking City. A inefficiency in front of goal proved to be West Ham’s downfall at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and considering the playing time the players have had over the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager said. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s reputation as they shared the points in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The attacker notched the first goal with her first goal of the campaign after a strong Toffees beginning. Villa drew level just before half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as both teams capitalized of the other’s leaky backline. An unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace swung the momentum the home side's way, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago arrived for Everton’s aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's streak without a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Spark Helps Arsenal Rediscover Spark

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and Alessia Russo added another in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who set up Russo to put Arsenal ahead, then, following a the defender own goal, ended her five-game drought with a double of her own. The team have appeared far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and audacious style that most people expect considering the squad's calibre. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup today as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented head coach, the boss, “but in my view it performed really well, particularly in the first half.”

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