WSL Key Highlights: London City Lionesses Show Promise and Liverpool Promise to Fight On

London City Showcase Improvement In Loss

Should the London City coach needed a demonstration of the progress his London City Lionesses have advanced in recent weeks, the weekend's encounter against the champions provided just that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to the champions, but London City performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled 43% of possession – perhaps above expectations – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a significant danger with her forward runs. “Compared to September when we played other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur said. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a cohesive unit – that was the primary objective. We saw a team that protected and attacked as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, the team's boss, issued a motivational message to his side as the wait for their initial victory persists. After a further loss, this time 2-1 at the expense of Tottenham, he said: “We must 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 backing from everyone. Sadly, 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, chances created and opportunities – but after taking an advantage, the away side played lacking intensity as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was a further concerning example of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in games, surely the main focus for Taylor to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton proved they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the campaign recently after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing for England. There was some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and Kiko Seike proved they are more than capable of making up the scoring output by scoring in the narrow loss. “The team reacted quite well to start,” the Seagulls' head coach, the boss, said. “The players improved as the match progressed, we applied our pressing more effectively. More positive, once more. We might have scored a couple more goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to create all the opportunities we did in the match was good, but we need to be much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Finds Positives After Defeat at City

Rehanne Skinner found positives from her team's performance against the Sky Blues, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although the Hammers, bottom on goal difference, have not secured a point, they took a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A inefficiency in front of goal was the team's undoing at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve failed to gain anything from the game, and considering the playing time the squad have had over the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

Everton Escape Costly Mistakes with Gago Brace

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago rescued the team's blushes as they split the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker notched the first goal with her first goal of the season after a impressive Everton beginning. Aston Villa equalised just before the break. The remaining period was action-packed, as both teams took advantage of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky deflection by the defender tilted the momentum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago came to the Merseyside club's rescue after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. Everton’s run absent a league victory now stands at half a dozen games.

Partnership's Magic Helps The Gunners Find Form

Arsenal recorded their third consecutive win in all competitions 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 season for Blackstenius, who assisted Russo to give Arsenal ahead, then, following a the defender own goal, ended her five-game drought with a double of her personal tally. The team have appeared far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate created chaos and unleashed the slick and audacious style that fans expect given the team’s quality. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it performed really well, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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