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London City Demonstrate Improvement Despite Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed an example of how far his team have come in recent weeks, Saturday's encounter against Chelsea offered exactly that. It ended in a two-goal loss to the champions, but his side performed admirably at their opponent's ground and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. London City controlled nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and registered the same number of shots on target (3), with a key attacker providing a significant danger running in behind. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was very positive,” the coach commented. “What I like is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and attacked together. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s manager, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to the squad as the wait for their first points persists. Following another defeat, this time by a single goal at the hands of Spurs, he said: “We have to battle through it. The message is clear. We’re working tirelessly to transform this into a better situation but it takes some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an early lead, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Tottenham mounted a recovery. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ propensity to fade in matches, surely the priority for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can manage in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after losing to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the season recently after suffering a serious knee injury while representing for England. Existed some concern about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and Kiko Seike showed they are fully equipped of making up the goals by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted quite well to begin,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We improved as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We might have added a couple more goals in the later stages. Facing a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we managed in the match was encouraging, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement After Loss at City

West Ham's coach found optimism from West Ham’s display against the Sky Blues, even with a 1-0 defeat. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have yet to earn a result, they took a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from taking on their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness was the team's undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain anything from the game, and after the playing time the squad have had during the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Avoid Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Brace

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward saved Everton’s reputation as they shared the result in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the season after a impressive Everton start. Aston Villa equalised just before the break. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unfortunate own goal by the defender swung the momentum the home side's way, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer came to Everton’s aid after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on several chances. The team's run absent a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Duo’s Magic Helps The Gunners Rediscover Spark

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who set up Russo to give Arsenal ahead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her goal-scoring slump with a double of her own. Arsenal have appeared not quite title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people anticipate considering the squad's calibre. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented manager, the boss, “but I think it did exceptionally, 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