Women's Super League Key Highlights: London City Show Promise and Liverpool Promise to Continue Battling

London City Lionesses Demonstrate Improvement Despite Loss

If Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of how far the London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea provided just that. It ended in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but his side impressed at Stamford Bridge and posed several questions for their opponents. London City controlled nearly half the ball – possibly above expectations – and registered the same number of attempts on goal (3), with Isobel Goodwin offering a particular threat running in behind. “Compared to earlier in the season when we faced other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” Prêcheur said. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that protected and attacked as one. We must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

Liverpool’s head coach, the team's boss, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the search for their initial victory persists. After a further loss, this time 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he said: “We have to fight our way out. Our focus is clear. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a improved position but it requires some patience and a bit of support. Sadly, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” On the face of it, it was an even encounter at the venue – with comparable ball control, expected goals and scoring chances – but after taking an early lead, the away side performed without any real bite as Spurs mounted 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 reverse their form.

Kirby and Seike Plug Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope without their temporary forward the injured attacker, even after losing to Manchester United. Agyemang was declared unavailable for the campaign last week after suffering a serious knee injury while representing for the national team. Existed some concern about the team's response, but the experienced forward and Kiko Seike showed they are more than capable of compensating for the scoring output by scoring in the narrow loss. “We responded quite well to start,” Brighton’s head coach, the boss, said. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We might have added a couple more goals in the second half. Facing a very good defensive team, to have all the opportunities we managed in the match was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Loss at City

Rehanne Skinner could take optimism from West Ham’s performance against the Sky Blues, despite a single-goal loss. While her team, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a result, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. 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 get a favorable outcome. “It's frustrating we’ve not taken something from the game, and considering all the minutes the squad have had over the recent break the attitude and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner said. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

Everton Escape Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by the French forward saved Everton’s reputation as they shared the result 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 Everton beginning. Villa drew level shortly prior to half-time. The second half was end-to-end, as each side capitalized of the opponent's leaky backline. An unfortunate deflection by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum the home side's way, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for the Merseyside club's aid after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's streak without a league victory now extends to six matches.

Duo’s Spark Aids The Gunners Rediscover Form

Arsenal recorded their third straight victory in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward contributed one more in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for Blackstenius, who assisted Russo to give Arsenal ahead, then, following a the defender inadvertent strike, broke her five-game drought with two goals of her personal tally. The team have appeared far from championship challengers but a first-half rampage by Russo and Blackstenius created chaos and unleashed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people anticipate considering the squad's quality. “There were some new partnerships on the pitch in this match as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, the boss, “but in my view it did really well, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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