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London City Demonstrate Improvement In Defeat

Should the London City coach needed an example of the progress his team have come in recent weeks, the weekend's encounter against Chelsea provided just that. It ended in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. London City commanded 43% of possession – possibly above expectations – and registered the same number of attempts on goal (three), with a key attacker providing a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to September when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” Prêcheur commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' 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 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he said: “We must battle through it. The message is evident. The team is striving so hard to turn this into a improved position but it requires some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re suffering setbacks, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at the venue – with comparable ball control, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the away side played lacking intensity as Tottenham mounted a comeback. It was another worrying instance of Liverpool's tendency to fade in games, surely the main focus for Taylor to address if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton demonstrated they can cope without their temporary forward the injured attacker, despite losing to the Red Devils. The forward was declared unavailable for the season recently after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. Existed some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of compensating for the scoring output by scoring in the narrow loss. “The team reacted positively to start,” Brighton’s manager, the boss, said. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, again. We might have added a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to have the chances we did today was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Positives Following Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner found positives from her team's display against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. While the Hammers, bottom on goal differential, have not secured a result, they took a positive approach and were not hesitant from taking on their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they achieve a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken anything out of it, and considering all the minutes the players have had over the international break the attitude and desire from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago saved the team's blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Toffees start. Villa drew level just before half-time. The second half was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum Villa’s way, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer came to Everton’s aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run absent a league victory now stands at six matches.

Duo’s Magic Helps Arsenal Rediscover Form

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius scored twice and the England forward contributed another in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a second start of the season for Blackstenius, who assisted her strike partner to put Arsenal ahead, then, following a Sari Kees own goal, ended her goal-scoring slump with a double of her personal tally. Arsenal have looked far from title contenders but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the fluent and bold Arsenal that most people anticipate considering the team’s quality. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup today as well, so that requires time to gel,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed really well, especially in the first half.”

Women's Super League 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