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

London City Demonstrate Improvement Despite Loss

If the London City coach required a demonstration of how far the London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, the weekend's match against Chelsea provided just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but his side impressed at Stamford Bridge and posed multiple challenges for the title holders. The Lionesses commanded nearly half the ball – possibly above expectations – and registered the equal amount of attempts on goal (three), with Isobel Goodwin providing a particular threat running in behind. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other leading teams, it was very positive,” the coach commented. “What I like is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We observed a team that defended and pushed forward as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the wait for their initial victory persists. Following another defeat, this time 2-1 at the expense of Spurs, he stated: “We must battle through it. The message is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a improved position 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 balanced match at the venue – with similar possession, expected goals and scoring chances – but after securing an advantage, the away side played lacking intensity as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was another worrying instance of the Reds’ propensity to fall away in matches, certainly the priority for the coach to address if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can manage in the absence of their temporary forward Michelle Agyemang, even after losing to the Red Devils. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the season last week after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. There was apprehension about the team's response, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international showed they are more than capable of making up the goals by scoring in the narrow loss. “The team reacted positively to start,” the Seagulls' head coach, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “The players got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. More positive, once more. We could have added a couple more goals in the second half. Against a very good defensive team, to have the chances we did in the match was encouraging, but we must become more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Positives Following Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner found optimism from West Ham’s performance against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. While her team, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a result, they took a positive approach and were not hesitant from taking on their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness was the team's downfall at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something out of it, and considering the playing time the players have had during the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” the manager noted. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

Everton Escape Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago rescued Everton’s blushes as they split the points in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The French forward opened the scoring with her first goal of the campaign after a impressive Everton beginning. Aston Villa drew level just before half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as both teams took advantage of the other’s porous defence. An unfortunate deflection by the defender swung the momentum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer came to Everton’s aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on several chances. The team's run absent a WSL win now stands at half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Aids Arsenal Rediscover Form

Arsenal recorded their third straight victory in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward contributed another in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the season for Blackstenius, who set up her strike partner to put Arsenal the lead, then, after a the defender own goal, broke her five-game drought with a double of her personal tally. The team have appeared not quite championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people anticipate given the squad's calibre. “We had some new partnerships in the lineup today as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented head coach, the boss, “but I think it performed exceptionally, especially in the first half.”

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