Women's Super League Talking Points: London City Show Promise and Liverpool FC Vow to Fight On

London City Lionesses Demonstrate Progress In Loss

Should Jocelyn Prêcheur required an example of how far the London City Lionesses have advanced in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea offered exactly that. The game concluded in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and posed several questions for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – possibly above expectations – and registered the equal amount of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker offering a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we played other top-four opposition, it was very positive,” Prêcheur said. “What I like is that we start to see a team – this was my biggest challenge. We observed a team that defended and attacked together. We still need to develop.”

Liverpool ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' head coach, Gareth Taylor, issued a motivational message to the squad as the search for their initial victory persists. After another defeat, on this occasion by a single goal at the expense of Spurs, he said: “We must fight our way out. The message is clear. We’re working 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 balanced match at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, expected goals and opportunities – but after securing an advantage, the away side performed lacking intensity as Tottenham mounted a comeback. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's propensity to fall away in matches, certainly the priority for the coach to fix if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. The forward was declared unavailable for the season last week after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the national team. Existed some concern about the team's response, but Fran Kirby 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 quite well to begin,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “The players got better into the game, we applied our pressing better. More positive, again. We might have added a couple more goals in the later stages. Facing a strong defensive unit, to create the chances we managed in the match was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Loss at Manchester City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from her team's display against the Sky Blues, even with a 1-0 defeat. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they took a positive approach and were not hesitant from taking on City. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be the team's downfall at the Joie Stadium but it is a matter of time before they achieve a favorable outcome. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken something from the game, and considering the playing time the players have had during the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was great], and the resilience as well,” Skinner said. “We must turn things around.”

The Toffees Escape Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by the French forward saved Everton’s blushes as they split the result in a high-scoring encounter at Villa Park. The attacker opened the scoring with her maiden strike of the campaign after a strong Toffees start. Villa drew level shortly prior to half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams capitalized of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky own goal by the defender tilted the momentum the home side's favor, putting them in the lead, but Gago arrived for Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had failed to capitalise on multiple openings. The team's run absent a league victory now extends to half a dozen games.

Partnership's Spark Aids Arsenal Find Form

Arsenal secured their third straight victory in every tournament as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and the England forward added one more in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the campaign for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put Arsenal ahead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, ended her five-game drought with two goals of her personal tally. Arsenal have looked far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by Russo and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the fluent and audacious Arsenal that fans anticipate considering the squad's calibre. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup today as well, so that needs to click,” commented manager, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed exceptionally, especially in the opening 45 minutes.”

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