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London City Demonstrate Improvement Despite Defeat

Should the London City coach required a demonstration of the progress his team have come in recent weeks, the weekend's encounter against Chelsea offered exactly that. It ended 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 (three), with a key attacker providing a particular threat running in behind. “Compared to September when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, delivered a motivational message to his side as the wait for their initial victory persists. After a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We must battle through it. The message is clear. We’re working so hard to transform this into a improved position but it takes a bit of time and backing from everyone. Sadly, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after taking an early lead, the away side played lacking intensity as Spurs executed a recovery. It was a further worrying instance of the Reds’ tendency to fall away in games, certainly the priority for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Agyemang Void

Brighton proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward the injured attacker, despite losing to Manchester United. The forward was ruled out for the season last week after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the national team. There was apprehension about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are more than capable of making up the scoring output by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted positively to start,” the Seagulls' head coach, the boss, said. “We improved into the game, we applied our pressing better. More positive, once more. We might have added a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we did in the match was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Positives After Defeat at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner could take optimism from her team's display against Manchester City, even with a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, at the foot on goal difference, have yet to earn a result, they took a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be the team'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,” the manager noted. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

The Toffees Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by Kelly Gago rescued the team's reputation as they shared the result in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Toffees start. Villa drew level shortly prior to half-time. The second half was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unlucky own goal by the defender swung the pendulum Villa’s way, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for Everton’s aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on several chances. Everton’s run without a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Duo’s Magic Aids The Gunners Rediscover Spark

The North London side secured their third straight victory in all competitions as the Swedish striker scored twice and Alessia Russo added one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the season for Blackstenius, who set up Russo to put Arsenal the lead, then, following a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, broke her five-game drought with a double of her personal tally. Arsenal have appeared far from championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the fluent and bold style that most people anticipate given the team’s quality. “There were some new partnerships on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

WSL 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