London City Showcase Progress In Defeat
If Jocelyn Prêcheur needed a demonstration of how far his team have advanced in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea offered just that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City impressed at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses controlled 43% of possession – possibly above expectations – and managed the equal amount of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin offering a particular threat with her forward runs. “Compared to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” the coach commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”
Liverpool Vow to Persevere
Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, delivered a motivational message to the squad as the wait for their initial victory persists. Following a further loss, on this occasion by a single goal at the hands of Tottenham, he said: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is evident. We’re working so hard to transform this into a improved position but it takes some patience and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re suffering setbacks, but we are determined to persevere.” On the face of it, it was an balanced match at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the visitors performed without any real bite as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was a further worrying instance of Liverpool's tendency to fall away in games, certainly the main focus for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.
Fran Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Void
Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, despite losing to the Red Devils. Agyemang was ruled out for the season last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for the national team. There was apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and Kiko Seike showed they are more than capable of compensating for the goals by finding the net in the narrow loss. “The team reacted positively to start,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “The players got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure better. More positive, again. We might have scored a few additional goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we managed in the match was encouraging, but we must become much better.”
Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement After Defeat at City
West Ham's coach could take positives from her team's display against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. While her team, bottom on goal difference, have yet to earn a result, they took a positive approach and were not hesitant from attacking their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be the team's undoing at the Joie Stadium but it is only a question of time before they get a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken something out of it, and considering the playing time the squad have had over the international break the mindset and determination from the players [was excellent], and the resilience as well,” the manager said. “We’ve got to turn things around.”
The Toffees Avoid Self-Sabotage with Gago Brace
A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward rescued the team's blushes as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The French forward notched the first goal with her maiden strike of the campaign after a impressive Toffees beginning. Villa equalised shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unfortunate own goal by Ruby Mace tilted the momentum Villa’s way, putting them in the lead, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run without a league victory now extends to half a dozen games.
Duo’s Spark Aids The Gunners Rediscover Spark
The North London side recorded their third consecutive win in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and Alessia Russo contributed one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who assisted her strike partner to give Arsenal ahead, then, after a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her goal-scoring slump with two goals of her personal tally. The team have looked not quite championship challengers but a dominant opening period by the forward and her teammate created chaos and unleashed 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,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it did really well, especially 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 |
