🔗 Share this article

London City Showcase Progress Despite Loss

Should the London City coach needed a demonstration of how far the London City Lionesses have come in the past few weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and managed the equal amount of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker offering a particular threat running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we played other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward together. We still need to develop.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

The Reds' manager, the team's boss, delivered a rallying call to his side as the wait for their first points continues. Following another defeat, this time by a single goal at the hands of Tottenham, he said: “We have to battle through it. The message is evident. We’re working so hard to turn this into a improved position but it requires a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at the venue – with comparable ball control, expected goals and scoring chances – but after taking an advantage, the away side played lacking intensity as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was a further worrying instance of the Reds’ propensity to fade in matches, certainly the main focus for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can manage without their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the campaign recently after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the national team. There was apprehension about the team's response, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international proved they are more than capable of making up the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded positively to start,” the Seagulls' head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. More positive, again. We could have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Facing a very good defensive team, to create all the opportunities we did in the match was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from her team's display against the Sky Blues, even with a single-goal loss. While the Hammers, bottom on goal differential, have not secured a point, they took 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 only a question of time before they get a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain something from the game, and considering all the minutes the players have had during the international break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner said. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Avoid Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward rescued the team's reputation as they split the result in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Everton beginning. Villa drew level just before the break. The second half was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by the defender tilted the pendulum Villa’s favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to Everton’s rescue after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run absent a league victory now stands at half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Aids The Gunners Rediscover Spark

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in every tournament as the Swedish striker scored twice and the England forward contributed one more in a comprehensive win of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put Arsenal the lead, then, following a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have looked far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate caused havoc and revealed the fluent and audacious Arsenal that fans anticipate considering the team’s calibre. “We had fresh combinations in the lineup today as well, so that needs to click,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it did really well, 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