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London City Demonstrate Progress In Defeat

If Jocelyn Prêcheur required a demonstration of how far the London City Lionesses have advanced in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea provided just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but London City performed admirably at their opponent's ground and raised multiple challenges for their opponents. London City controlled 43% of possession – perhaps more than expected – and registered the same number of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to September when we faced other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” the coach said. “What I like is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We saw a team that protected and pushed forward as one. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, delivered a motivational message to his side as the wait for their initial victory continues. Following a further loss, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Tottenham, he stated: “We must battle through it. Our focus is evident. The team is striving so hard to turn this into a improved position but it requires some patience and backing from everyone. Sadly, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, expected goals and opportunities – but after taking an early lead, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Tottenham executed a comeback. It was another worrying instance of Liverpool's tendency to fade in matches, surely the priority for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was ruled out for the campaign last week after suffering a serious knee injury while representing for the national team. There was some concern about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike proved they are fully equipped of compensating for the goals by finding the net in the narrow loss. “The team reacted positively to begin,” Brighton’s manager, Dario Vidosic, said. “We improved as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. More positive, again. We could have added a couple more goals in the second half. Facing a very good defensive team, to create all the opportunities we managed today was encouraging, but we must become much better.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Defeat at Manchester City

Rehanne Skinner could take positives from her team's display against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a point, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and after all the minutes the squad have had during the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We’ve got to turn things around.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A 94th-minute equaliser by the French forward rescued the team's blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park. The attacker opened the scoring with her first goal of the season after a strong Toffees start. Aston 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 unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer arrived for the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. Everton’s run without a league victory now extends to six matches.

Partnership's Spark Helps The Gunners Find Spark

Arsenal secured their third consecutive win in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and Alessia Russo added another in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the season for Blackstenius, who assisted Russo to give Arsenal the lead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have looked not quite title contenders but a first-half rampage by the forward and her teammate caused havoc and revealed the slick and audacious style that fans expect considering the squad's quality. “There were fresh combinations on the pitch today as well, so that requires time to gel,” said head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed really well, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

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