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London City Demonstrate Improvement In Loss

If Jocelyn Prêcheur needed a demonstration of the progress his team have advanced in the past few weeks, Saturday's encounter against Chelsea provided exactly that. It ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised multiple challenges for the title holders. London City commanded 43% of possession – possibly above expectations – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (three), with a key attacker offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to September when we played other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach said. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We saw a team that protected and attacked together. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the search 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. Our focus is evident. We’re working so hard to transform this into a improved position but it takes a bit of time and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Spurs mounted a recovery. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fade in matches, certainly the main focus for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, even after losing to the Red Devils. Agyemang was ruled out for the campaign last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for England. There was some concern about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of making up the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded quite well to start,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. More positive, again. We might have added a couple more goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to have the chances we managed today was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement After Defeat at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner found optimism from West Ham’s display against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. While her team, bottom on goal differential, have not secured a result, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal 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 failed to gain anything from the game, and after all the minutes the squad have had over the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Escape Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Brace

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward saved Everton’s reputation as they shared the result in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the campaign after a strong Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the other’s leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by the defender tilted the momentum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s streak absent a league victory now stands at six matches.

Partnership's Spark Aids Arsenal Rediscover Spark

Arsenal recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as the Swedish striker scored twice and the England forward contributed one more in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put Arsenal the lead, then, following a Sari Kees own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have looked far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the slick and audacious Arsenal that fans anticipate considering the squad's quality. “We had fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, the boss, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

WSL 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