Women's Super League Key Highlights: London City Show Promise and Liverpool Vow to Fight On

London City Showcase Progress In Defeat

Should the London City coach required an example of the progress his London City Lionesses have come in recent weeks, the weekend's match against the champions provided just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but London City impressed at their opponent's ground and raised multiple challenges for their opponents. The Lionesses controlled 43% of possession – possibly more than expected – and registered the same number of attempts on goal (3), with a key attacker providing a significant danger with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other top-four opposition, it was really good,” Prêcheur commented. “What I like 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 must continue to develop.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to the squad as the search for their initial victory persists. After another defeat, this time by a single goal at the expense of Tottenham, he said: “We have to battle through it. The message is evident. We’re working so hard to transform this into a better situation but it requires some patience and backing from everyone. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at the venue – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after taking an early lead, the visitors played without any real bite as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fall away in games, surely the priority for the coach to fix if he is to reverse their form.

Fran Kirby and Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was ruled out for the season last week after suffering a serious knee injury while representing for England. There was apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved they are fully equipped of making up the goals by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded positively to begin,” Brighton’s head coach, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players got better into the game, we applied our pressing more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, once more. We could have added a couple more goals in the second half. Facing a strong defensive unit, to have the chances we did today was good, but we must become more clinical.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement Following Loss at City

West Ham's coach found optimism from her team's performance against Manchester City, even with a single-goal loss. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have not secured a result, they adopted a attacking mindset and were not hesitant from taking on City. A lack of ruthlessness was West Ham’s downfall at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they get a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and after all the minutes the squad have had during the international 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 Avoid Costly Mistakes with Gago Double

A stoppage-time leveller by the French forward saved the team's reputation 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 campaign after a strong Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised just before half-time. The remaining period was action-packed, as each side took advantage of the opponent's leaky backline. An unlucky deflection by the defender swung the pendulum Villa’s favor, putting them 3-2 up, but Gago arrived for the Merseyside club's aid after the manager's side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's streak without a WSL win now stands at six matches.

Duo’s Spark Aids The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side recorded their third consecutive win in every tournament as the Swedish striker netted a brace and Alessia Russo added another in a 4-1 thumping of the Foxes. It was a another beginning of the season for the attacker, who set up her strike partner to give the Gunners the lead, then, following a the defender inadvertent strike, ended her five-game drought with a double of her own. Arsenal have appeared far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius caused havoc and unleashed the slick and bold Arsenal that most people expect given the squad's quality. “We had some new partnerships on the pitch today as well, so that needs to click,” commented head coach, the boss, “but in my view it did exceptionally, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

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