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London City Showcase Improvement Despite Defeat

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur needed a demonstration of how far his London City Lionesses have advanced in recent weeks, Saturday's encounter against the champions provided exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to the champions, but his side impressed at their opponent's ground and posed several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to September when we played other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – that was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, issued a rallying call to his side as the wait for their initial victory persists. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is evident. We’re working so hard to turn this into a better situation but it requires a bit of time and backing from everyone. Sadly, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the visitors performed without any real bite as Spurs mounted a recovery. It was another worrying instance of Liverpool's tendency to fade in games, surely the priority for the coach to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton proved they can cope in the absence of their temporary forward the injured attacker, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the season recently after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for the national team. Existed some concern about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are fully equipped of making up the scoring output by finding the net in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to start,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We got better into the game, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, again. We might have added a couple more goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to have all the opportunities we did today was good, but we must become much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner found positives from her team's performance against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a point, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal was 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 not taken something from the game, and considering all the minutes the squad have had over the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner noted. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Brace

A stoppage-time equaliser by the French forward 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 season after a impressive Toffees beginning. Aston Villa drew level just before half-time. The second half was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unfortunate deflection by the defender swung the pendulum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but the scorer came to Everton’s aid after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s run without a league victory now stands at six matches.

Partnership's Magic Aids Arsenal Rediscover Form

Arsenal secured their third consecutive win in every tournament as the Swedish striker netted a brace and Alessia Russo contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the season for the attacker, who set up her strike partner to put the Gunners ahead, then, after a the defender own goal, ended her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have appeared far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius caused havoc and unleashed the slick and audacious style that most people expect considering the team’s calibre. “There were fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, the boss, “but I think it did exceptionally, 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